James McLeod

Who is James McLeod?

James McLeod was a Union Navy sailor in the American Civil War and a recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions at the Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip.

Born in Scotland, McLeod immigrated to the United States and was living in Maine when he joined the U.S. Navy. He served during the Civil War as a captain of the foretop on the USS Colorado. At the Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip near New Orleans on April 24, 1862, he volunteered to join the USS Pensacola as captain of the aft howitzer gun and performed this duty "with great ability and activity". For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor a year later on April 3, 1863.

McLeod's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

Captain of foretop, and a volunteer from the Colorado, McLeod served on board the U.S.S. Pensacola during the attack upon Forts Jackson and St. Philip and the taking of New Orleans, 24 and 25 April 1862. Acting as gun captain of the rifled howitzer aft which was much exposed, he served this piece with great ability and activity, although no officer superintended it.