Miles James

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Miles James

Place of birth	Princess Anne County, Virginia
Allegiance	United States Army
Rank	Corporal
Unit	36th Regiment United States Colored Troops
Battles/wars	American Civil War * Battle of Chaffin's Farm
Awards	Medal of Honor

Miles James was a Union Army soldier during the American Civil War and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions at the Battle of Chaffin's Farm.

James joined the Army in Norfolk, Virginia, and by September 30, 1864, he was serving as a corporal in Company B of the 36th Regiment U.S. Colored Troops. On that day, his unit participated in the Battle of Chaffin's Farm in Virginia, where he was seriously wounded. Six months after the battle, on April 6, 1865, James was issued the Medal of Honor for his actions at Chaffin's Farm.

Corporal James' official Medal of Honor citation reads:

Having had his arm mutilated, making immediate amputation necessary, he loaded and discharged his piece with one hand and urged his men forward; this within 30 yards of the enemy's works.