James M. Drake

James Madison Drake (March 25, 1837 to November 28, 1913) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Drake received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Port Walthall Junction in Virginia on 6 May 1864. He was honored with the award on 3 March 1873.[1][2]

James M. Drake
Born(1837-03-25)March 25, 1837
Washington Valley, New Jersey
DiedNovember 28, 1913(1913-11-28) (aged 76)
Elizabeth, New Jersey
Buried
Evergreen Cemetery
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
New Jersey National Guard
RankSecond Lieutenant (Army)
Colonel (National Guard))
Unit 9th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry - Company D
Battles/warsBattle of Port Walthall Junction
Awards Medal of Honor

Biography

Drake was born in the Washington Valley near Washington Rock in Somerset County, New Jersey on 25 March 1837.[3] He joined the 9th New Jersey Infantry in July 1861. After the war, he served in the New Jersey National Guard, rising to the rank of Colonel. He also worked as a newspaper publisher and author in Elizabeth, New Jersey.[4][5] Drake died on 28 November 1913 and his remains are interred at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hillside, New Jersey.

Medal of Honor citation

Commanded the skirmish line in the advance and held his position all day and during the night.[1][2]

See also

References
  1. "Civil War (A-L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 16 November 2013.
  2. "James Madison Drake". Archived from the original on 17 November 2013. Retrieved 16 November 2013.
  3. Drake, J. Madison (1908). "Biographical Sketch of General James Madison Drake. Written By His Father in 1875.". Historical Sketches of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Webster Press. pp. 262–267.
  4. Staff (November 29, 1913). "Gen. J. Madison Drake Dies. Jersey Civil War Veteran, Publisher and Author". The New York Times.
  5. NJ Medal of Honor recipients
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