Full Name: William Barker Cushing
Profession: US Naval Commander
Biography: William Barker Cushing was an American naval officer during the American Civil War, known for his daring exploits and remarkable achievements at a young age. He is most famous for his successful mission to sink the Confederate ironclad CSS Albemarle.
Cushing was admitted to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1857 but was a troublemaker during his time there and left before graduating. Despite this, in 1861 he was appointed to a midshipman position at the outbreak of the Civil War. He had two brothers, Alonzo Cushing and Howard B. Cushing, both of whom died in the war.
Meanwhile Cushing himself quickly gained a reputation for boldness, volunteering for hazardous assignments and proving himself in various naval operations. His most famous exploit, however, was the sinking of the Confederate ironclad.
In October 1864, Lieutenant Cushing led a small group of men in a steam launch equipped with a spar torpedo against the Albemarle, which was anchored on the Roanoke River in North Carolina. Despite heavy fire from Confederate forces, Cushing managed to get close enough to detonate the explosive, which blew a hole in the hull at the waterline "big enough to drive a wagon in." While Cushing himself escaped, most of his crew were captured and two drowned in the aftermath.
After the war, Cushing continued his service in the Navy, though his post-war career was affected by health issues arising from his service during the conflict. His health deteriorated, and he died at the age of 32.
Born: November 4, 1842
Birthplace: Delafield, Wisconsin, USA
Star Sign: Scorpio
Died: December 17, 1874 (aged 32)
Naval Career
- 1864-10-27 Confederate ship CSS Albemarle torpedoed and sunk by a spar torpedo mounted on a steam launch commanded by William B. Cushing
References
Famous Admirals
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