James Meredith (Medal of Honor)

A Marine’s courage during cable cutting under fire

James Meredith received the Medal of Honor during the Spanish-American War. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, on April 11, 1872, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1896 and served aboard USS Marblehead.

On May 11, 1898, Private Meredith participated in cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba. Facing heavy enemy fire, he maintained the bravery and composure recognized in his official citation. His Medal of Honor was presented on August 15, 1899.

In June 1900, he provided the Marine Corps with evidence that his legal name was Patrick F. Ford Jr., and his service name was changed. Because the medal had been issued under his alias, he remains James Meredith on official Medal of Honor rosters. He attained sergeant, died in Omaha on January 18, 1915, and was buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery there. His award commemorates his conduct in the exposed cable-cutting operation.

Official Medal of Honor citation

On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Meredith displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.