James Machon was born in 1848 and grew up on ships. When the Civil War came, James was a Powder Monkey in the USS Navy on the U.S.S Brooklyn. He was on the Brooklyn during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, where, with 17 other ships, they successfully blocked and took control of the Fort in Alabama. James’s ship, the Brooklyn, was rammed by the C.S.S Tennessee. Cannons and firearms continued shooting at the Brooklyn, and several of James’s friends were killed during the battle. Throughout the battle, James bravely remained at his post, continuing to restock the men with gunpowder, despite the conditions around him. He jumped to assist others willingly, and because of his bravery, the C.S.S Tennessee surrendered to the United States. James was later awarded a Medal of Honor for his part in the battle at Fort Morgan.
