DAVIS, JOHN - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Quarter Gunner, U.S. Navy. Born: Cedarville,
N.J. Accredited to: New Jersey. G.O. No.: 11, 3 April 1863. Citation: Served
on board the U.S.S. Valley City during action against rebel fort batteries
and ships off Elizabeth City, N.C., on 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 division 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.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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