William McKnight

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This article is about the American Medal of Honor recipient. For the American businessman, see William L. McKnight. For the Canadian politician, see Bill McKnight.

William McKnight
born circa 1841
Coxswain William McKnight
Place of birth	Ulster County, New York
Allegiance	United States Navy
Rank	Coxswain
Unit	USS Varuna
Battles/wars	American Civil War * Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip
Awards	Medal of Honor

William McKnight (born circa 1841) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the American Civil War.

During the Civil War, William McKnight served in the U.S. Navy as a Coxswain. On 24 April 1862, as a gun captain on board USS Varuna, he participated in combat against Confederate ships as the Federal fleet fought its way past the fortifications protecting the approaches to New Orleans, Louisiana. For his conduct during this event, Coxswain McKnight was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Coxswain McKnight's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

Captain of a gun on board the U.S.S. Varuna during the attacks on Forts Jackson and St. Philip and in action against the rebel ship Morgan, 24 April 1862. During this action at extremely close range, while his ship was under furious fire and was twice rammed by the rebel ship Morgan, McKnight remained steadfast at his gun throughout the thickest of the fight and was instrumental in inflicting damage on the enemy until the Varuna, so badly damaged that she was forced to beach, was finally sunk.