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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --
Quarter Gunner John Davis, USN, (18??-????)
John Davis was born in Cedarville, New Jersey. He enlisted
in the U.S. Navy from that state and served on board USS Valley
City during the Civil War. While attacking Condererate batteries
and ships at Elizabeth City, North Carolina on 10 February 1862,
the ship encountered intense enemy fire. When a shell entered
the ship and started a fire near the ammunition magazine, Davis
protected an open gun powder cask with his body to prevent an
explosion, at the same time continuing to pass powder to his division
on the upper deck. For this courageous act, he was awarded the
Medal of Honor.
This page features the only image we have concerning John
Davis.
Click on the small photograph to prompt
a larger view of the same image.
Photo #: NH 79905
Quarter Gunner John Davis
Halftone reproduction of an artwork, published in "Deeds
of Valor," Volume II, page 14, by the Perrien-Keydel Company,
Detroit, 1907. This image shows John Davis preventing a powder
explosion aboard USS Valley City by covering an open powder
cask with his body to protect it from nearby flames, during the
attack on Confederates at Elizabeth City, North Carolina on 10
February 1862. Davis received the Medal of Honor for this courageous
act.
Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the
Naval Historical Center.
Online Image: 72KB; 590 x 765 pixels |
 |
Medal of Honor citation of Quarter Gunner John Davis (as
printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949,
The Navy", page 21):
"Served on board the U.S.S. Valley City during
action against rebel fort batteries and ships off Elizabeth City,
N.C., on 10 February 1862. When a shell from the shore penetrated
the side and passed through the magazine, exploding outside the
screen on the birth deck, several powder division protection
bulkheads were torn to pieces and the forward part of the berth
deck set on fire. Showing great presence of mind, DAVIS courageously
covered a barrel of powder with his own body and prevented an
explosion, while at the same time passing powder to provide the
division on the upper deck while under fierce enemy fire." |
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Page made 27 April 2006