William Joseph Franks

Infobox Military Person
name=William Joseph Franks
born= 1830
died=
placeofbirth=Pittsboro, North Carolina
placeofdeath=
placeofburial=


caption=
nickname=
allegiance= United States of America
branch= United States Navy
serviceyears=Enlisted 1863
rank=Acting Master’s Mate
commands=
unit=USS "Marmora"
battles=American Civil War
awards=Medal of Honor
laterwork=

William Joseph Franks (born 1830, date of death unknown) was a United States Navy sailor who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the American Civil War.

Biography

Franks was born in Pittsboro, North Carolina in 1830. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 16 1863.

Franks distinguished himself in action at Yazoo City, Mississippi on March 5 1864 when he and his shipmates from the USS "Marmora" landed a 12-pound howitzer to defend the city, which was threatened by strong Confederate forces. He and his group were in the thickest of the fighting, but it was never enough to drive them from their cannon. The actions of Franks and his men came to play the most important role in maintaining the Union position. Franks was awarded the Medal of Honor and promoted to Acting Master’s Mate in recognition of his gallantry.

Namesake

A "Fletcher"-class destroyer, USS "Franks" (DD-554), was named in his honor and launched on 7 December 1942.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1830, Chatham County, N.C. Entered service at: Duvalls Bluff, Ark. G.O. No.: 32, 16 April 1864.

Citation:

:Served on board the U.S.S. Marmora off Yazoo City, Miss., 5 March 1864. Embarking from the Marmora with a 12-pound howitzer mounted on a field carriage, Franks landed with the gun and crew in the midst of heated battle and, bravely standing by his gun despite enemy rifle fire which cut the gun carriage and rammer contributed to the turning back of the enemy during the fierce engagement.

ee also

*List of Medal of Honor recipients
*

References

:DANFS