Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Seaman James Benson received the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 20, 1872 off the coast of Chile, Chile — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1871 - 1899 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Ossipee. Benson was about 30 years old.
The medal was presented on 1872.
Benson was born in 1842 in Denmark — one of 11 recipients born in Denmark. His Medal of Honor is credited to Yokohama, Japan. Benson died on August 4, 1890 in Boston Harbor, Massachusetts, at the age of about 48. He is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Chelsea, Massachusetts.
Official Medal of Honor citation
On board the U.S.S. Ossipee, 20 June 1872. Risking his life, Benson leaped into the sea while the ship was going at a speed of four knots and endeavored to save John K. Smith, landsman, of the same vessel, from drowning.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- 1842Born in Denmark
- 1872Medal of Honor presented
- June 20, 1872Act of valor — off the coast of Chile, ChileAge about 30. U.S.S. Ossipee
- August 4, 1890Died in Boston Harbor, MassachusettsAge about 48.
- Resting placeWoodlawn CemeteryChelsea, Massachusetts