Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
U.S. Civil War - U.S. Army
James Madison Burns
Details
- Rank: Sergeant (Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel)
- Conflict/Era: U.S. Civil War
- Unit/Command:
Company B,
1st West Virginia Infantry - Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
- Medal of Honor Action Date: May 15, 1864
- Medal of Honor Action Place: New Market, Virginia, USA
Citation
Under a heavy fire of musketry, rallied a few men to the support of the colors, in danger of capture, and bore them to a place of safety. One of his comrades having been severely wounded in the effort, Sgt. Burns went back a hundred yards in the face of the enemy's fire and carried the wounded man from the field.
Additional Details
- Accredited to: Wellsburg, Brooke County, West Virginia
- Awarded Posthumously: No
- Presentation Date & Details: November 20, 1896
- Born: August 9, 1845, Wells Township, Jefferson County, OH, United States
- Died: October 30, 1910, Lebanon, OH, United States
- Buried: Lebanon Cemetery (MH) (117), Lebanon, OH, United States
- Location of Medal: New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, New Market, VA ; Marshall Museum, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, VA