He destroyed the Confederate ram Albemarle on October 24, 1864, in the Roanoke River, N.C. with a torpedo-tipped spar, one of the most daring feats of the Civil War

(1842-74) Born in Delafield, Wisconsin, he was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1857, and was obliged to resign in his fourth year on March 23, 1861, for his irreverent attitude, and practical jokes. At the start of the Civil War, Cushing appealed to the Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles, to be given a second chance to redeem himself, and he was appointed master's mate in May 1861 in the U.S. Navy. He was assigned to the North Atlantic blockading squadron and was commissioned lieutenant on July 16, 1862, and saw action in a number of battles in Florida and the Carolina's. By the end of the Civil War he rose to the rank of lieutenant commander exhibiting courage and exceptional resourcefulness, and he escaped a number of hazardous incidents without harm. Cushing performed numerous daring feats throughout the war, and his heroism, and coolness under fire were legendary. The most spectacular mission he accomplished was his daring nighttime raid and ultimate destruction of the Confederate ironclad Albemarle in the Roanoke River, North Carolina, on October 27, 1864. This Rebel vessel had done much damage to the Union naval forces, and was at anchor when Cushing, in a steam launch, eluded the Confederate lookouts, and exploded a torpedo-tipped spar against the Confederate ship with such success that it sank. His own craft was destroyed and the crew was compelled to take to the water; with only Cushing and one other man able to escape capture or death. For this heroic achievement he received the Thanks of the United States Congress and was promoted to lieutenant commander on October 27th. At Fort Fisher, N.C., he marked the channel, working for six hours in a small skiff under heavy fire. In a final assault he led a charge of sailors and marines from the U.S.S. Monticello. After the Civil War, Cushing served in both the Pacific and Asiatic Squadrons, and was the executive officer of the U.S.S. Lancaster, and commanded the U.S.S. Maumee. On January 31, 1872, he was promoted to the rank of commander, becoming the youngest up to that time to attain that rank in the U.S. Navy. Commander William B. Cushing died on December 17, 1874, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, D.C. At the time he had been serving as the executive officer of the Washington Navy Yard. He was only 32 years old at the time of his death. Cushing was buried on January 8, 1875, at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland. His grave is marked by a large, monumental casket made of marble, on which in relief, are Cushing's hat, sword, and coat. On one side of the stone the word "Albemarle" is cut out, and on the other side is, "Fort Fisher."

Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph mounted to 2 3/8 x 3 7/8 card. The card mount is slightly trimmed. Half view pose wearing a double breasted U.S. Navy frock coat with shoulder straps, 3 stripes around his cuffs, with a single star above each cuff. Back mark: E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York, From Photographic Negative in Brady's National portrait Gallery. Very fine. Desirable Union naval image. Rare.


WBTS Trivia: He was the brother of Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant Alonzo H. Cushing, a Union artillery commander who was killed during Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg. One of his other brothers was Lieutenant Howard B. Cushing, who was killed in action while fighting the Chiricahua Apaches, under Chief Cochise, in 1871 during a campaign in Arizona Territory. Howard also fought in the Civil War, initially with the 1st Illinois Light Artillery, and later as a lieutenant in the 4th U.S. Artillery.