Shipman volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Union sloop-of-war USS Ticonderoga (1862).

On January 15, 1865, the North Carolina Confederate stronghold of Fort Fisher was taken by a combined Union storming party of sailors, marines, and soldiers under the command of Admiral David Dixon Porter and General Alfred Terry.

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Coxswain William Shipman, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S.

2 gun, stationed near the 100-pounder Parrott rifle when it burst into fragments, killing eight men and wounding 12 more, Coxswain Shipman promptly recognized the effect produced by the explosion and, despite the carnage surrounding them, and the enemy's fire, encouraged the men at their guns by exclaiming "Go ahead, boys!

59 (June 22, 1865) Action Date: January 15, 1865 Service: Navy Rank: Coxswain Division: U.S.S.