James Horton (Medal of Honor)

James Horton
Born 1850
Boston, Massachusetts
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Navy
Rank Captain of the Top
Unit USS Constitution
Awards Medal of Honor

James Horton (born 1850) was a sailor serving in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.

Contents

Biography

Horton was born in 1850 in Boston, Massachusetts and after joining the navy was stationed aboard the USS Constitution as captain of the top. On February 13, 1879 he risked his life along with 2 other sailors to repair the ships rudder during a storm. Horton was lowered over the stern of the ship and cut the fastenings of the ships rudder chains allowing the rudder itself to be repaired. For his actions received the Medal of Honor March 20, 1905.[1][2]

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Captain of the Top, U.S. Navy. Born: 1850, Boston, Mass. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No.: 326, 18 October 1884.

Citation:

Serving on board the U.S.S. Constitution, at sea, 13 February 1879, Horton showed courageous conduct in going over the stern during a heavy gale and cutting the fastenings of the ship's rudder chains.[1]

See also

Biography portal
United States Navy portal

References

  1. ^ a b "Interim Awards, 1871-98; Horton, James entry". Medal of Honor recipients. United States Army Center of Military History. August 3, 2009. http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/int1871-98.html. Retrieved October 6, 2010. 
  2. ^ "Constitution". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command. February 8, 2006. http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/c13/constitution.htm. Retrieved October 6, 2010. 

External links