b. 24/12/1834 Lacon, Illinois. d. 19/07/1918 Washington DC.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 22/04/1863 Vicksburg, Mississippi.
James D Vernay MOH
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Lacon, Illinois, he served as a 2nd Lieutenant in Company B, 11th Illinois Infantry, Union Army. On April 22, 1863, during the Battle of Vicksburg Mississippi, 2nd Lieutenant Vernay volunteered to command the steamer Horizon to transport Union supplies across Mississippi River. Together with his crew, he daringly passed beneath the Confederate fort batteries under a heavy fire and delivered the cargo. For gallantly in the face of the enemy, he promoted 1st Lieutenant and was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 1, 1898.
MOH CITATION:
Served gallantly as a volunteer with the crew of the steamer Horizon that, under a heavy fire, passed the Confederate batteries.
BURIAL LOCATION: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 3, GRAVE 4052-WS.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
