JAMES K. DUNCAN
Ordinary Seaman born 1845 in Frankfort, Pa. Citation dated April 16, 1864.
Served on board the USS Fort Hindman, a steamer acquired by the US Navy and turned into a Tinclad. During an engagement near Harrisonburg, Louisiana, March 2, 1864, following a shellburst at one of the guns that started a fire on the cartridge tie, McCormick immediately seized the burning cartridge, took it from the gun and threw it overboard, despite the immediate danger to himself.
He carried out his duties throughout the engagement and served courageously while the Fort Hindman was severely battered by enemy fire.
The Fort Hindman had been operating on the Black and Quachita rivers during this period of time.
MICHAEL McCORMICK
Boatswain's Mate born 1833 in Ireland. Citation dated December 31, 1864.
While proceeding up the Red River, the USS Signal was engaged by a large force of enemy including sharpshooters and batteries.
The ship returned fire until it was disabled and forced to surrender.
McCormick was gun captain of one of the 8 cannons aboard and wounded early in the action but continued to carry out his duties.
I read elsewhere that the ship ran aground and the crew set fire to the ship and escaped to shore where they were captured.
Naval Medal of Honors. --Old B-Runner
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