Served as a landsman on board the U.S.S. "Lackawanna" during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram "Tennessee" in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Showing a presence of mind and cheerfulness that had much to do with maintaining the crew's morale, Kinnaird served gallantly through the action which resulted in the capture of the prize rebel ram "Tennessee" and in the destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan.