James Benson

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Seaman James Benson, United States Navy, for gallant and heroic conduct while serving on board the U.S.S. OSSIPEE, 20 June 1872. Risking his life, Seaman 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.