James Tallentine

Quarter-Gunner James Tallentine (1840 to January 15, 1865) was an American sailor who fought in the American Civil War. Clark received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action in the capture of the port of Plymouth, North Carolina, while serving on the USS Tacony. He was posthumously honored with the award after his death in the Second Battle of Fort Fisher.

Biography

Tallentine was born in England in 1840. He died on 15 January 1865 during the Second Battle of Fort Fisher, the Lieutenant commander of the USS Tacony, W. T. Truxtun, wrote in his report of the battle to the United States Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles, that Tallentine "...ever foremost in the discharge of his duties, reached the top of the parapet, under a murderous fire, only to fall inside the fortifications, giving a valuable life to his country."

His home was recorded in Baltimore, Maryland.

Medal of Honor citation

Citation: Served as quarter gunner on board the U.S.S. Tacony during the taking of Plymouth, N.C., 31 October 1864. Carrying out his duties faithfully during the capture of Plymouth, Tallentine distinguished himself by a display of coolness when he participated in landing and spiking a 9-inch gun while under devastating fire from enemy musketry. Tallentine later gave his life while courageously engaged in storming Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865.