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★Victoria Cross

A comprehensive archive of decorated U.S. military heroes, objectively ranked by the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25). Honoring valor through history.

USM-25.2Scoring Standard

Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

James Byrnes (sailor) — Victoria Cross

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Heroic Score1001058th out of 4481

Number of Medals2

Total Heroic & Non-Heroic Score1022194 of 4481

U.S. Navy#80of 704

Surface warfare#33of 182

Battle of Fort Hindman#1of 2

American Civil War#10of 1091

James Byrnes (sailor)

Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy

Battle of Fort HindmanAmerican Civil War

Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor
Civil War Campaign Medal

Ribbon Rack

Biography

James Byrnes was an Irish-born sailor who immigrated to the United States and served in the United States Navy during the American Civil War. Serving as a Boatswain's Mate, he was stationed aboard the ironclad gunboat USS Louisville during major operations along the Western Rivers.

Byrnes distinguished himself during the Battle of Fort Hindman (also known as the Battle of Arkansas Post) in January 1863. For his conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during this engagement, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration. He officially received the medal on April 3, 1863.

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Score Breakdown

Medal of Honor(base 100)

+100

Heroic Score100 pts