William H. Macomb

Commodore William Henry Alexander Macomb (June 16, 1818 – August 12, 1872) was an officer in the United States Navy who served during the American Civil War. He commanded four warships during his military career, each time serving as the first commanding officer of that vessel.

Biography Born in Detroit, Michigan, Macomb was the son of Major General Alexander Macomb, who served as commanding general of the United States Army. He joined the navy from New York state on April 10, 1834 as a midshipman, attended the Naval School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1840 and was promoted to lieutenant on February 27, 1847. He married Mary Eliza Stanton (his sister's step-daughter) on January 17, 1844 in Fort Hamilton, New York.

From 1856 to 1858, Macomb served aboard the sloop in the East India Squadron. In November 1856, his ship participated in the Battle of the Barrier Forts at Canton. During the 1858–1859 Paraguay expedition, Macomb commanded the steamer . He continued to serve as the commanding officer of Pulaski in the Brazil Squadron until 1861. he served as the commanding officer of the steamer , taking part in the riverine warfare along the Mississippi. From her commissioning in June 1864 until August 1865, Macomb commanded the steamer in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. He led the naval force which captured Plymouth, North Carolina, and led an expedition up the Roanoke River in North Carolina. For his gallantry in action with the North Atlantic Squadron, he was promoted to captain on July 25, 1866. Macomb served as commander of the sloop-of-war in the European Squadron. He was buried at Woodlands Cemetery in Philadelphia.

Namesake In 1941, the destroyer (DD-458) was named in honor of Commodore Macomb and his first cousin, Rear Admiral David B. Macomb (1827–1911).