James Burnes (Medal of Honor)

He crossed a river under heavy fire to attack hostile troops

James Burnes received the Medal of Honor during the Boxer Rebellion in China. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on January 14, 1870, he served as a private in Captain Newt H. Hall’s Marine detachment from USS Newark.

On June 20, 1900, at Tientsin, Burnes crossed a river in a small boat with three other men. Despite heavy enemy fire, he helped destroy buildings occupied by opposing troops. His official citation recognized his courage during that exposed river crossing and attack.

Burnes’s Medal of Honor was presented on April 21, 1902. The award commemorates his service with the Marine detachment during the China Relief Expedition.

Official Medal of Honor citation

In action against the enemy at Tientsin, China, 20 June 1900. Crossing the river in a small boat with three other men while under a heavy fire from the enemy, Burnes assisted in destroying buildings occupied by hostile forces.