James Tallentine

Quarter Gunner James Tallentine aka Tallentire (b. 1840 - d. January 15, 1865) was a Union Navy sailor who fought in the American Civil War. Tallentine received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action in the Capture of Plymouth, North Carolina, while serving on the USS Tacony. He was posthumously honored with the award after his death in the Second Battle of Fort Fisher.[1][2][3]

James Tallentine
Civil War era Navy Medal of Honor
Born1840
England, United Kingdom
DiedJanuary 15, 1865
Fort Fisher, North Carolina
Allegiance United States of America
Union
Service/branch United States Navy
Union Navy
RankQuarter Gunner
UnitUSS Tacony (1863)
Battles/warsAmerican Civil War
 • Second Battle of Fort Fisher  • Capture of Plymouth
Awards Medal of Honor

Biography

Tallentine was born in England in 1840. He died on 15 January 1865 during the Second Battle of Fort Fisher, the Lieutenant commander of the USS Tacony, W. T. Truxtun, wrote in his report of the battle to the United States Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles, that Tallentine "...ever foremost in the discharge of his duties, reached the top of the parapet, under a murderous fire, only to fall inside the fortifications, giving a valuable life to his country." [4]

His home was recorded in Baltimore, Maryland.[2]

Medal of Honor citation

Citation: Served as quarter gunner on board the U.S.S. Tacony during the taking of Plymouth, N.C., 31 October 1864. Carrying out his duties faithfully during the capture of Plymouth, Tallentine distinguished himself by a display of coolness when he participated in landing and spiking a 9-inch gun while under devastating fire from enemy musketry. Tallentine later gave his life while courageously engaged in storming Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865.[1][2]

See also

References
  1. "Civil War (S-Z) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  2. "James Tallentine". Archived from the original on 28 April 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  3. "U.S. Army Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 27 April 2013.
  4. United States Congressional serial set. U.S. Government Printing Office. 1866. pp. 152–.
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