William Pinckney
William Pinckney | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 27, 1915 |
| Died | July 21, 1976 (aged 61) |
| Place of burial | Beaufort National Cemetery, Beaufort, South Carolina, US |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Service years | 1938–1946 |
| Rank | Petty officer first class |
| Unit | USS Enterprise (CV-6) |
| Conflicts | World War II |
| Awards | Navy Cross Purple Heart |
William Pinckney (April 27, 1915 – July 21, 1976) was a United States Navy sailor who was the second African-American to be awarded the Navy Cross, the second-highest decoration for valor in combat after the Medal of Honor. Pinckney received the medal for saving the life of a fellow crew member on board the USS Enterprise (CV-6) during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) is named in his honor.