title: William Downey (Medal of Honor)
text: # William Downey (Medal of Honor)
  
  William Downey (1832 – June 30, 1909) was an Irish soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Downey received the United States' highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action at Ashepoo River, South Carolina on May 24, 1864. He was honored with the award on January 21, 1897.
  
  ## Biography
  
  Downey was born in Limerick, Ireland in 1832, and joined the US Army from Fall River, Massachusetts in September 1863. He was captured at the Battle of Gainesville, and paroled in April 1865. He was mustered out in June 1865.
  
  Downey died in New Bedford, Massachusetts on June 30, 1909, and his remains are interred there at Saint Mary's Cemetery.
  
  ## Medal of Honor citation
  
     Volunteered as a member of a boatcrew which went to the rescue of a large number of Union soldiers on board the stranded steamer Boston, and with great gallantry assisted in conveying them to shore, being exposed during the entire time to a heavy fire from a Confederate batter.
  