Richard William Dowling | |
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Nickname(s) | "Dick" |
Born | January 1837 Milltown, Ireland, U.K. |
Died | 23 September 1867 Houston, Fifth Military District, U.S. | (aged 30)
Buried | St. Vincent's Cemetery Houston, Texas, U.S. |
Allegiance | Confederate States |
Service | Confederate States Army |
Years of service | 1861–1865 |
Rank | Major |
Commands | Company F (Davis Guards), 1st (Cook's) Texas Heavy Artillery Regiment |
Battles / wars | American Civil War
|
Awards |
Richard William Dowling (baptized 14 January 1837 – 23 September 1867) was an Irish-born artillery officer of the Confederate States Army who achieved distinction as commander at the battle of Sabine Pass (1863), the most one-sided Confederate victory during the American Civil War.[1] It is considered the "Thermopylae of the Confederacy" and prevented Texas from being conquered by the Union.[1] For his actions, Dowling received the "thanks of Congress" (of the Confederate States), Davis Guards Medal, Southern Cross of Honor, and Confederate Medal of Honor. Over a dozen other memorials have also been dedicated in his honor.[1][2]