Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
Interim 1871 - 1899 - U.S. Navy
James Benson
Details
- Rank: Seaman
- Conflict/Era: Interim 1871 - 1899
- Unit/Command:
U.S.S. Ossipee - Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
- Medal of Honor Action Date: June 20, 1872
- Medal of Honor Action Place: off the coast of Chile, Chile
Citation
On board the U.S.S. Ossipee, 20 June 1872. Risking his life, Benson leaped into the sea while the ship was going at a speed of four knots and endeavored to save John K. Smith, landsman, of the same vessel, from drowning.
Additional Details
- Accredited to: Yokohama, Japan
- Awarded Posthumously: No
- Presentation Date & Details: 1872
- Born: 1842, Denmark
- Died: August 4, 1890, Boston Harbor, MA, United States
- Buried: Woodlawn Cemetery Astral PI, Grave 26, Chelsea, MA, United States