The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Fort Fisher Medal of Honor Winner

Boatswain's Mate James Burnum, USN.

Won his Medal of Honor during action at Fort Fisher, NC Dec. 24-25, 1864 and Jan. 13-15th, 1865, while on the USS New Ironsides.

The New Ironsides led the ironclad division into action versus Fort Fisher. The ship opened fire with its starboard battery and its well-directed fire caused several fires, explosions and dismounted Confederate guns during the December attack.

On Jan. 13, 1865, the ship fought all day, taking on ammunition at night despite severe weather conditions.

On the 15th, when the enemy came out of their bomb proofs to defend the fort against the landing party, the ship's battery had disabled nearly every in the fort facing the shore before the order to cease fire was given from the flagship.

Boatswain Barnum was commended for highly meritorious conduct during this period.

A Brave Man. --Old B-R'er

No comments: