b. 1809 Massachusetts. d. ?
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 19/06/1864 Cherbourg, France.
James Saunders MOH
Saunders was born in Massachusetts on 1809. His home of residence was listed as Boston. The date and location of his death are unknown. Saunders enlisted in the navy as a quartermaster in Boston, Massachusetts, serving on the sloop-of-war USS Kearsarge. He reached the rank of Chief Quartermaster before his release. On 19 June 1864, USS Kearsarge engaged and sunk CSS Alabama, a privateer run commerce raider, in the Battle of Cherbourg. Saunders was one of 17 men awarded the Medal of Honor for actions performed in the engagement.
MOH CITATION:
Served 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, 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.
BURIAL LOCATION: UNKNOWN.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.