James Stoddard

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Seaman James Stoddard, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action off Yazoo City, Mississippi, 5 March 1864. Embarking from the U.S.S. Marmora with a 12-pound howitzer mounted on a field carriage, Seaman Stoddard landed with the gun and crew in the midst of heated battle and, bravely standing by his gun despite enemy rifle fire which cut the gun carriage and rammer, contributed to the turning back of the enemy during the fierce engagement.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 32 (April 16, 1864)

Action Date: March 5, 1864

Service: Navy

Rank: Seaman

Division: U.S.S. Marmora