Landsman James F. Merton, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on June 9, 1871 in Korean Forts, Korea during the 1871 Korean expedition. At the time he was serving with Ship's Company D, U.S.S. Colorado. Merton was about 26 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. He later rose to the rank of Carpenter.
Merton was born in 1845 in England — one of 98 recipients born in England. His Medal of Honor is credited to Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire. Merton died on January 9, 1922 in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of about 77. He is buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
Merton is one of 15 Medal of Honor recipients from the 1871 Korean expedition and one of 35 credited to New Hampshire.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Landsman and member of Company D during the capture of the Korean forts, 9 and 10 June 1871. Merton was severely wounded in the arm while trying to force his way into the fort.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and injuries
What the citation records about his wounds:
Merton was severely wounded in the arm while trying to force his way into the fort.
- Age at death: about 77
- Resting place: Bellefontaine Cemetery
Timeline
- 1845Born in England
- June 9, 1871Act of valor — Korean Forts, KoreaAge about 26. Ship's Company D, U.S.S. Colorado
- January 9, 1922Died in St. Louis, MissouriAge about 77.
- Resting placeBellefontaine CemeterySt. Louis, Missouri
