BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY : AFRICAN AMERICAN " MILES JAMES " WAS A UNION ARMY SOLDIER DURING THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAS AND A RECIPIENT OF MEDAL OF HONOR : GOES INTO THE " HALL OF BLACK HEROES "

 BLACK       SOCIAL    HISTORY                                                                                                                                                                                                   Miles James

Miles James
Born	1829 Princess Anne County, Virginia
Died	August 28, 1871 (aged 41–42) Norfolk City
Allegiance	United States of America Union
Service/branch	United States Army Union Army
Rank	First Sergeant
Unit	36th Regiment United States Colored Troops
Battles/wars	American Civil War Battle of Chaffin's Farm
Awards	Medal of Honor

Miles James was a Union Army soldier during the American Civil War and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions at the Battle of Chaffin's Farm.

Biography

James joined the Army in Norfolk, Virginia, and by September 30, 1864, he was serving as a Corporal in Company B of the 36th Regiment U.S. Colored Troops. On that day, his unit PARTICIPATED in the Battle of Chaffin's Farm in Virginia, where he was seriously wounded, resulting in the amputation of his left arm. Six months after the battle, on April 6, 1865, James was issued the Medal of Honor for his actions at Chaffin's Farm. He was discharged for disability the following October.^[1]

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Corporal, Company B, 36th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., September 30, 1864. Entered service at: Norfolk, Va. Birth: Princess Anne County, Va. Date of issue: April 6, 1865.

Citation:

Having had his arm mutilated, making immediate amputation necessary, he loaded and discharged his piece with one hand and urged his men forward; this within 30 yards (27 m) of the enemy's works.^[2]