William Troy
Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy

William Troy was born in 1848 in Boston, MA.

On 11 June 1871, Ordinary Seaman William Troy was serving on the USS Colorado during the Korean Expedition.

The U.S. Expedition to Korea in 1871, also known as Sinmiyangyo (Western Disturbance of the Year Sinmi year), was the first American military action in Korea. It took place predominantly on and around the Korean island of Ganghwa. The reason for the presence of the American military expeditionary force in Korea was to support an American diplomatic delegation sent to establish trade and diplomatic relations with Korea and to ascertain the fate of the General Sherman merchant ship.

On 8 February 1872, Ordinary Seaman Troy was a recipient of the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions on 11 June 1871 in the attempt to save the life of Lieutenant Hugh McKee, U.S. Navy, who was mortally wounded in the action. As a naval officer, Lieutenant McKee was not eligible for the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1848, Boston, MA. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No.: 169, 8 February 1872.

Citation:

On board the USS Colorado during the capture of the Korean forts, 11 June 1871. Fighting at the side of Lt. McKee, by whom he was especially commended, Troy was badly wounded by the enemy.

Death and Burial

Ordinary Seaman William Troy died on 8 March 1907. He is buried at the Stockton State Hospital Cemetery, Stockton, CA.