John Durham (Medal of Honor)

John S. Durham
Civil War era Medal of Honor
Born (1843-06-08)June 8, 1843
New York City
Died January 12, 1918(1918-01-12) (aged 74)
Allegiance United States of America
Union
Service/branch United States Army
Union Army
Years of service 1861 - 1864
Rank Sergeant
Unit 1st Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment (3 Years)
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.

Biography

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] He joined the 1st Wisconsin Infantry in August 1861, and mustered out in October 1864. [2] 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.[3]

Medal of Honor citation

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]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Medal of Honor recipients". American Civil War (A-L). United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
  2. ↑ Company Roster
  3. ↑ "John Durham". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved 2009-08-30.
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