William Oakley (Medal of Honor)

William Oakley
Born (1860-08-08)August 8, 1860
Colchester, England
Died November 22, 1918(1918-11-22) (aged 58)
Colchester, England
Allegiance  United States of America
Service/branch United States Navy
Rank Gunner's Mate First Class
Unit U.S.S. Marblehead
Battles/wars Spanish–American War
Awards Medal of Honor
Other work Medal of Honor

William Oakley (August 8, 1860 – November 22, 1918) was a gunner's mate second class serving in the United States Navy during the Spanish–American War who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.

Biography

Oakley was born August 8, 1860 in Colchester, England, and emigrated to the United States in 1880. He enlisted in the Navy from New York around 1890 and was sent to fight in the Spanish–American War aboard the U.S.S. Marblehead as a gunner's mate second class.[1] He was later promoted to gunner's mate first class, his burial place is unknown. [2][3]

He died November 22, 1918 in his hometown of Colchester, England. His grave can be found in section B-2-65, Wivenhoe Cemetery.

Medal of Honor citation

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Gunner's Mate Second Class William Oakley, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action on board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Gunner's Mate Second Class Oakley displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this period.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "William Oakley". Retrieved July 6, 2014.
  2. ↑ http://www.mohhsus.com/lost-to-history
  3. ↑ "War with Spain Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved July 7, 2014.
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