James Martin II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Martin II
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|---|---|
| Born | 1826 Derry, Kingdom of Ireland |
| Died | October 29, 1895 (aged 68–69) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US |
| Buried |
Mount Moriah Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1847–1879 |
| Rank | Quartermaster sergeant |
| Unit | USS Brandywine USS North Carolina USS Preble USS Mississippi USS Potomac USS Wabash USS Niagara USS Constellation USS Richmond USS Vincennes USS Memphis USS Idaho USS Madawaska USS Contoocook USS Vandalia |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War: |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
James Martin II (1826 – October 29, 1895) was a brave soldier from Ireland. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the mid-1800s. He started as a private and rose through the ranks to become a sergeant.
During the American Civil War, James Martin fought for the Union (the United States government). He showed amazing courage on August 5, 1864. This happened while he was serving on the ship USS Richmond. For two hours, he operated one of the ship's cannons under heavy enemy fire. This was during the Battle of Mobile Bay in Alabama. He helped damage the enemy ship CSS Tennessee. He also helped destroy enemy cannons at Fort Morgan. Even though his ship was hit and many friends were killed, he kept fighting. Because of his bravery, he received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award for courage in the United States. He got it on December 31, 1864.
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Early Life
James Martin was born in 1826 in Derry, which was part of the Kingdom of Ireland back then. He moved to America sometime before July 1847. He joined the military in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On April 18, 1860, he officially became an American citizen.
Serving in the Military
When he was 21, James Martin joined the United States Marine Corps. He signed up in Philadelphia on July 9, 1847. He started as a private. He served on land in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Soon, he was sent to serve on the ship USS Brandywine. He stayed on this ship until late 1850.
Over the next few years, James Martin served on many different ships. These included the USS North Carolina, the USS Mississippi, and the USS Preble. He also spent time serving on land at naval bases in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Brooklyn, New York. He re-enlisted several times, showing his dedication to service. By 1857, he was serving on the USS Niagara. He continued to serve on various ships and at different bases.
Fighting in the Civil War
In January 1862, James Martin was assigned to the USS Richmond. He stayed on this ship for a long time. In 1862, he took part in attacks on Fort St. Philip and Fort Jackson in Louisiana. These attacks were led by Admiral David Farragut. Martin was also there when New Orleans surrendered to Union forces. Later that year, he was part of the attack on Vicksburg, Mississippi.
By August 1863, James Martin was promoted to sergeant. He returned to the USS Richmond. In 1864, his ship was part of Admiral Farragut's fleet. They were blocking the port of Mobile, Alabama.
Battle of Mobile Bay
On August 5, 1864, during the Battle of Mobile Bay, Sergeant Martin was in charge of a cannon. He showed great "coolness and good conduct." For two hours, he kept firing his gun. This helped damage the enemy ship CSS Tennessee. He also helped destroy the enemy cannons at Fort Morgan. All this happened while his own ship was under heavy fire. Many of his shipmates were killed or injured. His actions were a big part of why he received the Medal of Honor.
After the battle, he and his shipmates continued to control Mobile Bay. In May 1865, he moved to the USS Vincennes. He also served on land in Pensacola, Florida, and then on the USS Memphis.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, James Martin continued to serve in the military. He served on the USS Memphis and later the USS Idaho. He kept switching between serving on ships and at naval bases. He also re-enlisted several more times. He served on the USS Madawaska, the USS Contoocook, and the USS Vandalia.
He reached the rank of quartermaster sergeant. After serving for over 31 years, he was honorably discharged on March 27, 1879. Records from that time describe him as being 5 feet 9 and a half inches tall. He had brown hair, grey eyes, and a fair complexion. He was from Ireland and had been a farmer before joining the military.
During his long career, James Martin had several injuries and health problems. These included pain in his joints and an ankle injury. In 1862, his arm was squeezed while working a cannon. This injury affected his arm for many years. He also had a bad fall down stairs while on duty in 1875.
James Martin never married. He lived at the U.S. Naval Home in Philadelphia during the 1880s and 1890s.
Later Years and Passing
When he was in his 60s, James Martin became ill with cancer. He passed away at the U.S. Naval Home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 29, 1895. He was buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery in that city.
See also
- Thomas Cripps
- List of Medal of Honor recipients
- List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: M–P
- Irish Americans in the American Civil War
- Mobile, Alabama in the American Civil War
- New Orleans in the American Civil War
- Pennsylvania in the American Civil War
