About William Downey
Lived 1832 – 1909 (aged 76–77). William Downey was a soldier and railway worker.
William Downey (c. 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
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Important facts
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was William Downey?
Irish soldier who fought in the American Civil War
When was William Downey born?
William Downey was born in 1832 in Limerick.
When did William Downey die?
William Downey died on 30 June 1909 in New Bedford.
What was William Downey's occupation?
William Downey was a soldier and railway worker.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: William Downey (Medal of Honor)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Downey. https://biography.guide/william-downey/
MLA: "William Downey." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-downey/.
Chicago: "William Downey." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-downey/.
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