William Halford, English-American lieutenant, Medal of Honor recipient (b. 1841)

William Halford (August 18, 1841 – February 7, 1919) was a distinguished figure in the United States Navy, renowned for a career that saw him rise from an enlisted sailor to a commissioned officer, and most notably, for earning the nation's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Born in Glangwili, Carmarthenshire, Wales, on August 18, 1841, Halford immigrated to the United States and began his naval service as a landsman, an entry-level rating for recruits without prior sea experience. His dedication and exceptional seamanship quickly became evident, paving the way for his remarkable ascent through the ranks.

The Heroic Act: The USS Saginaw Rescue Mission

Halford's most celebrated act of heroism occurred in 1870 while he was serving as a coxswain aboard the sidewheel steamer USS Saginaw. On October 21, 1870, the ship ran aground on a treacherous reef at Kure Atoll, an uninhabited coral island then known as Ocean Island, located over 1,000 nautical miles northwest of Honolulu, Hawaii. The extreme isolation and the severe damage to the vessel left the crew stranded with dwindling supplies and no immediate hope of rescue.

In a desperate bid for survival, a small, five-man volunteer crew, led by Lieutenant James G. Talbot, embarked on an extraordinary and perilous journey in the ship's gig, a small open boat. Their critical mission was to sail approximately 1,500 miles across the vast, unforgiving expanse of the Pacific Ocean to the Hawaiian Islands to seek help. William Halford was a vital and courageous member of this intrepid crew.

The voyage was fraught with extreme challenges. For 31 harrowing days, the men battled fierce storms, navigated by sextant and compass through unknown waters, and endured severe hunger and thirst. Tragically, one by one, four of the five crew members succumbed to exposure and exhaustion, including Lieutenant Talbot, who died just as the boat reached the coast of Kauai, Hawaii.

In an incredible testament to his resilience, endurance, and unwavering determination, William Halford was the sole survivor of the gig's crew to successfully reach land. His perseverance ensured that the distress message was delivered, ultimately leading to the dispatch of the USS Kearsarge to rescue the remaining Saginaw crew members from Kure Atoll. This daring feat of seamanship and survival is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable small-boat voyages in naval history.

The Medal of Honor Recipient

For his exceptional bravery, profound perseverance, and unwavering commitment to his shipmates during this monumental rescue mission, William Halford was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration presented by the United States government. The Medal of Honor is bestowed "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty." Halford received his Medal of Honor on June 8, 1871, recognizing his pivotal and life-saving role in the rescue of the USS Saginaw's stranded crew.

A Career of Distinguished Service and Advancement

Halford's naval career extended well beyond his singular heroic rescue mission. His proven dedication, exceptional leadership qualities, and unwavering commitment to duty saw him continually advance through the ranks. In 1883, he was commissioned as an Ensign, marking his significant transition from an enlisted sailor to a commissioned officer. This progression was a notable achievement, highlighting his exceptional merit and the Navy's recognition of his capabilities and leadership potential.

He continued to serve with distinction in various capacities, ultimately retiring from active duty as a Lieutenant in 1899. William Halford passed away on February 7, 1919, in Washington, D.C., leaving behind a lasting legacy of bravery, dedicated service, and an inspiring example of courage and resilience under the most extreme duress.

Frequently Asked Questions About William Halford

Who was William Halford?
William Halford was a highly decorated American sailor and officer in the United States Navy, renowned for his extraordinary heroism during the USS Saginaw shipwreck and subsequent rescue mission in 1870, for which he received the Medal of Honor.
What was the USS Saginaw incident?
The USS Saginaw was a U.S. Navy sidewheel steamer that ran aground on a treacherous reef at Kure Atoll (then Ocean Island) in the North Pacific on October 21, 1870. This left its crew stranded in an extremely remote location, necessitating a perilous small-boat voyage to seek rescue.
How did William Halford earn the Medal of Honor?
Halford earned the Medal of Honor for his critical role as the sole survivor of a five-man volunteer crew who sailed the ship's gig approximately 1,500 miles from Kure Atoll to Kauai, Hawaii, over 31 days. His successful completion of this incredibly challenging voyage ensured that a distress message was delivered, leading to the rescue of the Saginaw's stranded crew.
When did William Halford serve in the Navy?
William Halford served in the United States Navy for an extensive period, from at least 1870 (when he was a coxswain) until his retirement as a Lieutenant in 1899. His career spanned several decades of naval operations, marked by continuous advancement.