James Horton (Medal of Honor, 1879)

Working over the stern, he helped save a storm-damaged ship.

James Horton was born in Boston in 1850 and joined the United States Navy there. By 1878 he was serving in USS Constitution as a captain of the top, a senior seaman responsible for work aloft. The old frigate carried American exhibits to the Paris Exposition, unloading at Le Havre before remaining in France during the exhibition.

His service included a serious disciplinary episode at Le Havre. After an attempted desertion he was caught, tried by court martial, fined and confined in irons. He nevertheless remained with the ship for the dangerous homeward voyage.

In February 1879 Constitution encountered prolonged Atlantic gales. Damage to the rudder left the wheel and tiller ineffective, while the heavy rudder threatened further damage to the stern. On 13 February Horton went over the stern during the storm to work on its securing chains.

He assisted carpenter's mate Henry Williams and fellow captain of the top Joseph Matthews. Suspended above the moving rudder and repeatedly submerged by cold seas, the men worked to restore control. Their efforts enabled the ship to reach Lisbon for repairs rather than remain helpless in the Atlantic.

All three received the Medal of Honor. Horton's decoration was presented aboard Constitution at the New York Navy Yard on 7 September 1879 by Lieutenant Commander Theodore Jewell, the ship's executive officer. His recorded naval service thus includes both punishment for desertion and a later act of exceptional courage on the same voyage.

Medal of Honor citation

Serving on board the U.S.S. Constitution, at sea, 13 February 1879, Horton showed courageous conduct in going over the stern during a heavy gale and cutting the fastenings of the ship's rudder chains.