John Davis
.SERVICE NOTES
Service/Branch: United States Navy
Unit: U.S.S. Valley City
Rank: Quarter Gunner
MEDAL OF HONOR DETAILSLocation of Action: Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Date of Action: February 10, 1862
Date Award Issued: April 3, 1863
Accredited to: New Jersey. G.O. No.: 11
Citation: Served on board the U.S.S. Valley City during action against rebel fort batteries and ships off Elizabeth City, N.C., on February 10, 1862. When a shell from the shore penetrated the side and passed through the magazine, exploding outside the screen on the berth deck, several powder division protecting bulkheads were torn to pieces and the forward part of the berth deck set on fire. Showing great presence of mind, Davis courageously covered a barrel of powder with his own body and prevented an explosion, while at the same time passing powder to provide the division on the upper deck while under fierce enemy fire.
Additional Notes:
Among naval men this action, although seemingly of not first class importance, was admitted to have been one of the most cleverly conceived, and most energetically executed in the war. John Davis quarter gunner on board the Valley City won here his Medal of Honor.
In the attack upon the hostile gunboats, the Valley City together with the Whitehead, formed the squadron's reserve. A shell of the enemy caused fire to break out on the first named vessel, close to the powder magazine.
Davis who was one of the men in charge, saw an open barrel full of powder, and sparks, and flames shooting towards it. Quick as lightning, and Without gauging his chances, he jumped to the barrel, and sat upon it, thus preventing the fire from reaching the powder. He got there just in the nick of time, the sparks and cinders flying all about him, setting fire to his clothes, and burning him severely. But he did not flinch and stuck to his rather undesirable place of rest, until comrades had put out the flames.
Thus did the brave man prevent the explosion of the magazine, and the destruction of the ship. The report of his commanding officer gave him full credit for his heroic act, and secured for him the well deserved medal.
Text & Photo Excerpted from: Deeds of Valor, How America's Heroes Won the Medal of Honor, Volume 2, Perrien-Keydel Company, 1902, Page 14.
PERSONAL DETAILS
Birthdate: Unknown
Birthplace: Cedarville, New Jersey
Died: November 17, 1863 at the New York City Naval Hospital, New York City, New York
Buried: Naval Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York, later transferred to an unknown burial location
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