James Thayer (Medal of Honor)
James Thayer (c. 1853–1886)[1] was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
James Thayer | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1853 Ireland |
| Died | April 16, 1886 (aged 32–33) [1] Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Navy |
| Rank | Ship's Corporal |
| Unit | USS Constitution |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Born in about 1853 in Ireland, Thayer immigrated to the United States and joined the Navy from Pennsylvania. By November 16, 1879, he was serving as a ship's corporal on the USS Constitution. On that day, while Constitution was at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia, he rescued a young shipmate from drowning. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor five years later, on October 18, 1884.[2]
Thayer's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
For rescuing from drowning a boy serving with him on the U.S.S. Constitution, at the Navy Yard, Norfolk, Va., 16 November 1879.[2]
References
- James Thayer at Find a Grave
- "Medal of Honor recipients - Interim Awards, 1871–1898". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 5, 2010. Retrieved August 26, 2010.
External links
- "James Thayer". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved August 26, 2010.
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