James Drury (soldier)

Saving his regiment’s colors from encirclement

James Drury earned the Medal of Honor during the American Civil War. Born in Limerick, Ireland, on August 15, 1837, he served as a sergeant in Company C of the 4th Vermont Infantry.

On June 23, 1864, at the Weldon Railroad in Virginia, his regiment was surrounded by a much larger enemy force. After most of its men had been killed or captured, Drury saved the regimental colors. His official citation recognized his action in preserving the flags amid the regiment’s losses.

Drury’s Medal of Honor was presented on January 18, 1893. He died in Lovilia, Iowa, on December 25, 1919, and was buried in St. Peter’s Cemetery there. His award commemorates courage at a moment of severe danger for his regiment.

Official Medal of Honor citation

Saved the colors of his regiment when it was surrounded by a much larger force of the enemy and after the greater part of the regiment had been killed or captured.