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★Victoria Cross

A comprehensive archive of decorated military heroes from Commonwealth, American, and allied traditions, ranked by the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25). Honouring valour through history.

USM-25.2Scoring Standard

Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

James A. Stewart (Medal of Honor) — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Rank: Sergeant
Medals Recorded: 1

James A. Stewart (Medal of Honor)

Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

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Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor 1862–1912 Navy

Ribbon Rack

Biography

He jumped overboard to save a drowning midshipman in France.

James A. Stewart was a Marine corporal serving aboard USS Plymouth when he rescued a drowning midshipman in Villefranche Harbor, France. On February 1, 1872, he jumped overboard and saved Midshipman Osterhaus, earning the Medal of Honor for his courageous intervention.

Born in Philadelphia in 1839, Stewart later attained the rank of sergeant. He died in Philadelphia on January 1, 1884. His burial at Mount Moriah Cemetery is recorded under his true name, James B. Bradley.

Medal of Honor citation

Serving on board the U.S.S. Plymouth, Stewart jumped overboard in the harbor of Villefranche, France, 1 February 1872 and saved Midshipman Osterhaus from drowning.

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