Samuel W. Preston

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Preston, c. 1861-62

Samuel W. Preston ( April 6, 1840 - January 15, 1865 ) was an officer in the United States Navy during the American Civil War .

Life

Born in Canada , Preston received his midshipman appointment from the State of Illinois on October 4, 1858 . On May 9, 1861, he graduated as the first of his class and was promoted to Acting Master on October 4, 1861. He was promoted to lieutenant on August 1, 1862. From 1861 to 1863 he served on various ships of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron off the coast of the southern states . In an attack on Fort Sumter on September 8, 1863, he was captured by the armed forces of the southern states and taken to Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia . It stayed there until it was exchanged in autumn 1864.

Back in service, Preston was assigned as a flag officer (Flag-Lieutenant) to Admiral David Dixon Porter , who at that time was in command of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

On December 24th and 25th, 1864, Preston took part in the attacks against Fort Fisher and led one on January 13th, 1865. He was fatally wounded in the process.

Honors

A total of six US Navy ships were named after him

Naming

Until the US Navy aircraft carriers were named after (also living presidents), it was customary to honor only deceased personalities. Although the first USS Preston had the addition of 1864 (the year of the capture), it was not used until after the death of Lt. Preston was named after him in 1865 and was only in service for a short time, so that in the same year a second ship appears under this name. The respective years are only used to differentiate between the two ships.

literature

  • Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
personal data
SURNAME Preston, Samuel W.
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Preston, Samuel William
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American naval officer during the American Civil War
DATE OF BIRTH April 6, 1840
DATE OF DEATH January 15, 1865