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William Doolen

1841 – 1895

United States Navy sailor and Medal of Honor recipient

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About William Doolen

Lived 1841 – 1895 (aged 53–54).

William Doolen (March 4, 1825 – September 14, 1895) was a Union Navy sailor in the American Civil War and a recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions at the Battle of Mobile Bay.

Born as 'William Dolan in March 4, 1825 in County Kildare, Ireland, Doolen immigrated to the United States and was living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, when he joined the U.S. Navy. He served during the Civil War as a coal heaver on the . At the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, he "rendered gallant service" despite heavy fire, even after receiving a serious wound to the head. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor four months later, on December 31, 1864.

First Homesteader in State of Wyoming June 15, 1875 (Volume 1. Page 1. Homestead Certificate no. 1 Office of Cheyenne, Wyoming)

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Important facts

Born
1841, Ireland
Birth century
Awards
Medal of Honor

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Doolen's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Doolen?

United States Navy sailor and Medal of Honor recipient

When was William Doolen born?

William Doolen was born in 1841 in Ireland.

When did William Doolen die?

William Doolen died on 14 September 1895.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Doolen

· Wikidata: Q8007907

· DBpedia: William Doolen

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Doolen. https://biography.guide/william-doolen/

MLA: "William Doolen." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-doolen/.

Chicago: "William Doolen." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-doolen/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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