Quartermaster Peter Williams
1862-

On the morning of 9 March 1862, the CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack) and the USS Monitor faced off in Hampton Roads, Virginia, to fight the first battle between ironclad ships. Quartermaster Peter Williams was at the Monitor's helm, sharing the tiny pilothouse with the Captain, Lieutenant John Worden.  

As Captain Worden and Williams maneuvered around the Virginia's stern; Worden peered through the forward viewing slit just as an enemy shell slammed into the pilothouse. Worden had taken much of the blast and was blinded and was taken to his cabin. Quartermaster Williams was thrown from the helm to his hands and knees. He was not seriously injured and resumed the helm of the Monitor and took control of the ship’s maneuvering until the Executive Officer, who was well aft in the ship, could get to the pilot house.  During this interval, Williams was in sole control of the ironclad. 

On 3 April 1863, Quartermaster Peter Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic action, independently maneuvering the ship while engaged in heavy combat.