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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 M. Trout — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Navy
Rank: Second Class Fireman
Medals Recorded: 1

James M. Trout

Second Class Fireman, U.S. Navy

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Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor 1862–1912 Navy

Ribbon Rack

Biography

He tried saving a shipmate who fell overboard at Montevideo.

James M. Trout earned the Medal of Honor for trying to rescue a fellow sailor from drowning. Also recorded as Joseph M. Trout, he was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 9, 1850, and served as a fireman second class aboard USS Frolic.

On April 20, 1877, at Montevideo, a member of the ship’s crew fell overboard. Trout tried to save him, displaying the gallant conduct recognized in his official citation. The award records his effort without stating whether the rescue succeeded.

Trout received the Medal of Honor during his lifetime. He died in Philadelphia on July 27, 1910, and was buried in Fernwood Cemetery in Pennsylvania. His award commemorates his willingness to help a shipmate in danger.

Official Medal of Honor citation

Serving on board the U.S.S. Frolic, Trout displayed gallant conduct in endeavoring to save the life of one of the crew of that vessel who had fallen overboard at Montevideo, 20 April 1877.

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