BARNUM, JAMES
Rank and Organization: Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy. Born: 1816
Massachusetts. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865.
Citation:
Barnum served on board the U.S.S. New Ironsides during action in several attacks on
Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and on 13, 14, and 15 January 1865. The ship steamed
in and took the lead in the ironclad division close in shore and immediately opened its
starboard battery in a barrage of well_directed fire to cause several fires and explosions
and dismount several guns during the first 2 days of fighting. Taken under fire as she
steamed into position on 13 January, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on
ammunition at night despite severe weather conditions. When the enemy came out of his
bombproofs to defend the fort against the storming party, the ship's battery disabled
nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the cease-fire orders were given by
the flagship. Barnum was commended for highly meritorious conduct during this period.
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