James Barnum
SERVICE NOTES
Service/Branch: United States Navy
Unit: U.S.S. New Ironsides
Rank: Boatswain's Mate
MEDAL OF HONOR DETAILS
Location of Action: First and Second Battles of Fort Fisher, Wilmington, North Carolina
Date of Actions:
December 24, 25, 1864
January 13, 14, 15, 1865
Date Award Issued: June 22, 1865
Citation: Barnum served on board the U.S.S. New Ironsides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher, on December 24 and 25, 1864; and on January 13, 14, and 15, 1865. The ship steamed in and took the lead in the ironclad division close in shore and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well directed fire to cause several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first 2 days of fighting. Taken under fire as she steamed into position on January 13, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at night despite severe weather conditions. When the enemy came out of his bombproofs to defend the fort against the storming party, the ship's battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the cease-fire orders were given by the flagship.
Barnum was commended for highly meritorious conduct during this period.
Additional Notes: General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 59
PERSONAL DETAILSBirthdate: 1816
Birthplace: Massachusetts
Died: Unknown
Buried: Unknown
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