William Barker Cushing was born on April 4, 1842 in Delafield, Wisconsin. He came from a family with a strong naval tradition, as his father had served in the Navy during the War of 1812. Cushing's interest in the Navy was sparked at a young age, and he was determined to follow in his father's footsteps.
Cushing attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he excelled in his studies. However, his mischievous nature often got him into trouble, as he was known for playing pranks on his classmates. This ultimately led to his expulsion from the Academy due to poor grades and disciplinary issues.
Despite his expulsion from the Naval Academy, Cushing was determined to serve his country. He joined the Navy as an Acting Midshipman and quickly proved himself to be a skilled and daring officer. Cushing participated in several key battles during the Civil War, including the famous battles of Hampton Roads and Fort Fisher.
Cushing's most famous exploit came in October 1864, when he led a daring raid on the CSS Albemarle, a Confederate ironclad ship that had been wreaking havoc on Union forces. Under cover of darkness, Cushing and his men approached the Albemarle in a small steam launch armed with a spar torpedo. Despite heavy fire from the enemy ship, Cushing successfully rammed the torpedo into the Albemarle's hull, causing a massive explosion that sank the ship and dealt a significant blow to the Confederate Navy.
Cushing's bravery and ingenuity in this daring raid earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his reputation as a war hero. His actions were instrumental in turning the tide of the war in favor of the Union forces.
Outside of his military career, Cushing had a personal life as well. He married Katherine Louis Forbes, with whom he had two daughters. Despite the dangers and challenges he faced in his military service, Cushing remained devoted to his family and made every effort to provide for them.
William Barker Cushing's legacy as a fearless and innovative naval officer lives on to this day. His daring raid on the CSS Albemarle remains one of the most celebrated acts of naval heroism in American history. Cushing's bravery and determination in the face of overwhelming odds continue to inspire generations of sailors and naval officers.