William Downey
Private, U.S. Army, Company B, 4th Massachusetts Cavalry. Awarded for actions at Ashepoo River, S.C.
May 24, 1864

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 battery.