| John S. Durham | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 8, 1843 New York City |
| Died | January 12, 1918 (aged 74) |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/branch | United States Army Union Army |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | Company F, 1st Wisconsin Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Battle of Perryville |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
John S. Durham (June 8, 1843 – January 12, 1918) served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Perryville.
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Durham was born on June 8, 1843, in New York City but his official residence was Malone, Wisconsin when he joined the Union Army.[1] When the American Civil War started he joined the Wisconsin Infantry and was assigned to Company F. During the Battle of Perryville he took over as the flag bearer for his regiment when the color sergeant was shot. He moved forward with the flag until he was ordered to stop midway by his commanding officer. He died on January 12, 1918, and was buried at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kansas. His grave can be found in section 33, row 10, grave 18.[2]
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company F, 1st Wisconsin Infantry. Place and date: At Perryville, Ky., 8 October 1862. Entered service at: Malone, St. Croix County, Wis. Born: 1843, New York, N.Y. Date of issue: 20 November 1896.
Citation:
For extraordinary heroism on 8 October 1862, while serving with Company F, 1st Wisconsin Infantry, in action at Perryville, Kentucky. Sergeant Durham seized the flag of his regiment when the color sergeant was shot and advanced with the flag midway between the lines, amid a shower of shot, shell, and bullets, until stopped by his commanding officer.[1]