William Pinckney

William Pinckney (April 27, 1915July 21, 1976) was a United States Navy sailor who was the second Black 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 during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. The is named in his honor. Early life Pinckney was born in Dale, South Carolina, on April 27, 1915, to Renty and Jenny Pinckney. His father worked as a carpenter on shrimp boats while his mother died when he was eight years old. Pinckney attended school through the seventh grade then worked as a carpenter on shrimp boats before he joined the Navy. Naval career Pinckney enlisted on August 3, 1938, and attended boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois. He then reported to the aircraft carrier as a cook. At the time, cook was one of the few ratings open in the U.S. Navy to Black sailors.