James Saunders
Born: 1809 at Massachusetts, Massachusetts
Home Town: Boston, Massachusetts
Status:
War Department, General Orders No. 45 (December 31, 1864)
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Quartermaster James Saunders, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action as quartermaster on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Carrying out his duties courageously throughout the bitter engagement, Quartermaster Saunders was prompt in reporting damages done to both ships, and it is testified to by Commodore Winslow that he is deserving of all commendation, both for gallantry and for encouragement of others in his division.