Corporal, United States Marine Corps, on board of the U.S.S. _Galena_, in the attack on Fort Darling, at Drurys Bluff, James River, May 15, 1862; particularly mentioned for his "gallant conduct and services and signal acts of devotion to duty." (G.O. 17, July 10, 1862.)
Private, United States Marine Corps, serving on board the U.S.S. _Brooklyn_, for heroism and gallantry in action at the Battle of Santiago de Cuba, July 3, 1898. (G.O. 526, August 9, 1899.)
Coal heaver on board the U.S.S. _Brooklyn_, in the engagement in Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864; conspicuous for bravery, performing his duty in the powder division, at a point where the ship was riddled very much, and in the immediate vicinity of the shell whips, which were twice cleared of men by bursting shells. (G.O. 45, December 31, 1864.)
Ordinary seaman on board of the U.S.S. _Franklin_; gallant conduct in jumping overboard from the _Franklin_, at Lisbon, Portugal, and rescuing from drowning one of the crew of that vessel, on the 9th of January, 1876. (G.O. 206, February 15, 1876.)
LIEUT. COMMANDER JAMES J. MADISON, UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE FORCE.
"For exceptionally heroic service in a position of great responsibility as commanding officer of the U.S.S. _Ticonderoga_, when, on October 4, 1918, that vessel was attacked by an enemy submarine and sunk after a prolonged and gallant resistance. The submarine opened fire at a range of 500 yards, the first shots taking effect on the bridge and forecastle, one of the two forward guns of the _Ticonderoga_ being disabled by the second shot. The fire was returned and the fight continued for nearly two hours. Lieutenant Commander Madison was severely wounded early in the fight, but caused himself to be placed in a chair on the bridge and continued to direct the fire and to maneuver the ship. When the order was finally given to abandon the sinking ship, he became unconscious from loss of blood, but was lowered into a lifeboat and was saved, with 31 others, out of a total number of 236 on board." (Act of February 4, 1919.)
Second-class fireman on board the U.S.S. _Tallapoosa_, when that vessel sunk, on the night of August 21, 1884; remained at his post of duty in the fireroom until the fires were put out by the rising waters. (G.O. 326, October 18, 1884.)