Quarter Gunner John Davis, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on February 10, 1862 off Elizabeth City, North Carolina during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Valley City. Davis was about 41 years old.
The medal was presented on 1863 — on board the USS Choctaw. He later rose to the rank of Acting Gunner.
Davis was born in 1821 in Finland — one of 6 recipients born in Finland. His Medal of Honor is credited to New Jersey. Davis died on November 17, 1863 in New York City, New York, at the age of about 42. He is buried at Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York. His medal is held by Founding Forward, Valley Forge, PA.
Davis is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 93 credited to New Jersey.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Served on board the U.S.S. Valley City during action against rebel fort batteries and ships off Elizabeth City, N.C., 10 February 1862. When a shell from the shore penetrated the side and passed through the magazine, exploding outside the screen on the berth deck, several powder divisions protecting bulkheads were torn to pieces and the forward part of the berth deck set on fire. Showing great presence of mind, Davis courageously covered a barrel of powder with his own body and prevented an explosion, while at the same time passing powder to provide the division on the upper deck while under fierce enemy fire.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: American Civil War.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in New Jersey →
Timeline
- 1821Born in Finland
- February 10, 1862Act of valor — off Elizabeth City, North CarolinaAge about 41. U.S.S. Valley City
- 1863Medal of Honor presentedOn board the USS Choctaw
- November 17, 1863Died in New York City, New YorkAge about 42.
- Resting placeCypress Hills National CemeteryBrooklyn, New York
Biography
Quarter Gunner John Davis (died 17 November 1863) was an American sailor who fought in the American Civil War. Davis received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action aboard the USS Valley City on 10 February 1862. He was honored with the award on 3 April 1863.
From the Wikipedia article “John Davis (American Civil War sailor)”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
