William Conway

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William Conway
Born 1808[1]
Camden, Maine
Died November 30, 1865[2]
Brooklyn, New York
Occupation Quartermaster, Union Navy

William Conway was a quartermaster in the United States (Union) Navy, on duty when the Navy Yard was surrendered to the Confederacy on January 12, 1861. When a Confederate officer, Lieutenant Frederick B. Kinshaw assuming control of the Yard ordered Conway to strike the colors, he refused to do so, reportedly stating, "I have served under that flag for forty years, and I won't do it."[3] Conway was subsequently jailed.

After his release Conway was commended by the Secretary of the Navy and awarded a gold medal by the State of California. Two U.S. naval destroyers have been named in his honor.

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