Background
Martin was born in 1826 in Derry, Ireland, and after immigrating to the United States, entered the Marine Corps from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 9, 1847.
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James Martin
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Career
He was a sergeant assigned to the marine detachment aboard the U.S.S. Richmond when it was sent to fight in the American Civil War during the Battle of Mobile Bay. Martin was honorably discharged in March 1879. He died on October 29, 1895 and is buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
His grave can be found in the naval asylum plot.
Connections
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Born
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Died
March 26, 1918 (aged 92) -
Nationality
American
Awards
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Medal of Honor Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor citation Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 1826, Derry, Ireland. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No: 45, 31 December 1864. Citation: As captain of a gun on board the U.S.S. Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Sgt. Martin fought his gun with skill and courage throughout the furious 2-hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan.Medal of Honor citation Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 1826, Derry, Ireland. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No: 45, 31 December 1864. Citation: As captain of a gun on board the U.S.S. Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Sgt. Martin fought his gun with skill and courage throughout the furious 2-hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan.