James Allen
Born: May 5, 1843 at Ireland
Home Town: Potsdam, New York
Medal of Honor
U.S. Army
American Civil War
Date of Issue: September 11, 1890
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private James Allen, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at South Mountain, Maryland, 14 September 1862, while serving with Company F, 16th New York Infantry. Single-handed and slightly wounded Private Allen accosted a squad of 14 Confederate soldiers bearing the colors of the 16th Georgia Infantry (Confederate States of America). By an imaginary ruse he secured their surrender and kept them at bay when the regimental commander discovered him and rode away for assistance.
Distinguished Service Cross
U.S. Army
Spanish-American War
General Orders No. No. 14, W.D., 1925
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James Allen, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at the entrance of the harbor of Santiago, Cuba, June 2 – 5, 1898. Lieutenant Colonel Allen, by his persistent and untiring efforts on an unarmed transport the Adria, and under fire of the Spanish batteries, succeeded in raising and severing two submarine cables used by the enemy.
