James Horton

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain of the Top James Horton, United States Navy, for gallant and heroic conduct while serving on board the U.S.S. Constitution, at sea, 13 February 1879. Captain of the Top Horton showed courageous conduct in going over the stern during a heavy gale and cutting the fastenings of the ship’s rudder chains.

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Gunner’s Mate James Horton, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action, serving as Gunner’s Mate on board the U.S.S. Montauk, 21 September 1864. During the night of 21 September, when fire was discovered in the magazine lightroom of the vessel, causing a panic and demoralizing the crew, Gunner’s Mate Horton rushed into the cabin, obtained the magazine keys, sprang into the lightroom and began passing out combustibles, including the box of signals in which the fire originated.