US USN MOH Avery, William B.

William Bailey Avery

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Born: September 10, 1840,

Place of Birth: Providence, Rhode Island

Father: William David Avery

Mother: Elizabeth "Eliza" Hoxie

Wife: Ann Osborn

Children:

Eliza Avery​
William Yale Avery​
Sibyl Howe Perkins​

Antebellum Activities:

Attended Brown University until war broke out, was among the first to enlist from that college.​

Civil War Service:

1861: Enlisted in Company A of the 1st Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry on the 2nd of May at the age of 21​
Participated in the First Battle of Bull Run
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When his 3 months term had expired, he was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant with Company B of the 1st New York Marine Artillery​
1862: Participated in the Battle of Tranter's Creek, in North Carolina on the 5th of June
1862: He was promoted to Captain in August because of his actions at Tranter's Creek​
1863: Muster out of Army on the 31st of March​
1863: Appointed acting ensign in the U.S. Navy​
1863: In December, joined the North Atlantic blockading squadron, on the screw steamer USS Dawn
Avery becomes the USS Dawn's executive officer​
1865: Avery is discharged from the Navy on Aug. 10​
Postbellum Activities:

1868: Avery moves to Mississippi where he bought large interests and serves as county superintendent of education, lieutenant-colonel of militia, sheriff, and was elected as a member of the legislature five times.​
1876 Avery moves to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later to Providence, Rhode Island, where he served as a member of the city council.​
1889: Avery passes a Civil Service exam, and is appointed to a position in the War Department which he held until his death​
1892: William was recommended for the Medal of Honor by Senator N. W. Aldrich​
1893: On September 2, William was presented with the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Tranter's Creek​

Died: July 19, 1894

Place of Death: Bayside, Rhode Island

Age at Death: 53 Years Old

Buried: North Burial Ground, Providence, Rhode Island, Section 13, Lot 2336

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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 Second Lieutenant William B. Avery, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on June 5, 1862, while serving with 1st New York Marine Artillery, in action at Tranter's Creek, North Carolina. Second Lieutenant Avery handled his battery with greatest coolness amidst the hottest fire.
 
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Another great one and one that doesn't involve capturing a flag :D
 
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