Quarter Gunner James Tallentine aka Tallentire (b. 1840 - d. January 15, 1865) was a Union Navy sailor who fought in the American Civil War. Tallentine received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action in the Capture of Plymouth, North Carolina, while serving on the USS Tacony. He was posthumously honored with the award after his death in the Second Battle of Fort Fisher.[1][2][3]
James Tallentine | |
|---|---|
.png) Civil War era Navy Medal of Honor | |
| Born | 1840 England, United Kingdom |
| Died | January 15, 1865 Fort Fisher, North Carolina |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service |  United States NavyUnion Navy |
| Rank | Quarter Gunner |
| Unit | USS Tacony (1863) |
| Battles / wars | American Civil War • Second Battle of Fort Fisher • Capture of Plymouth |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Biography
editTallentine was born in England in 1840. He died on 15 January 1865 during the Second Battle of Fort Fisher, the Lieutenant commander of the USS Tacony, W. T. Truxtun, wrote in his report of the battle to the United States Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles, that Tallentine "...ever foremost in the discharge of his duties, reached the top of the parapet, under a murderous fire, only to fall inside the fortifications, giving a valuable life to his country."[4]
Medal of Honor citation
editCitation: Served as quarter gunner on board the U.S.S. Tacony during the taking of Plymouth, N.C., 31 October 1864. Carrying out his duties faithfully during the capture of Plymouth, Tallentine distinguished himself by a display of coolness when he participated in landing and spiking a 9-inch gun while under devastating fire from enemy musketry. Tallentine later gave his life while courageously engaged in storming Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865.[1][2]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ a b "Civil War (S-Z) Medal of Honor Recipients". Archived from the original on 10 September 2019. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
- ^ a b c "James Tallentine". Archived from the original on 28 April 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
- ^ "U.S. Army Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 27 April 2013.
- ^ United States Congressional serial set. U.S. Government Printing Office. 1866. pp. 152–.