Attack on USS New Ironsides
| Attack on USS New Ironsides | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the American Civil War | |||||||
CSS David approaching the USS New Ironsides. | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
| Confederate States | United States | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| William T. Glassell | Stephen C. Rowan | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| Torpedo boat David | Ironclad New Ironsides | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
|
2 captured David damaged |
1 killed 1 wounded 1 injured New Ironsides damaged | ||||||
The attack on USS New Ironsides in October 1863 was one of the first successful torpedo boat engagements in history. Confederate forces in Charleston, South Carolina deployed the newly built semi-submersible CSS David to attach a spar torpedo to the hull of USS New Ironsides. Though the attack is regarded as a rebel victory, the Union ship was saved from serious damage.