Navy Federal Credit Union

James Karnes entered active duty in the U.S. Army from the Tennessee National Guard.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    117th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 8, 1918

    War Department, General Orders No. 50 (April 12, 1919)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant James Ernest Karnes (ASN: 1307595), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 8 October 1918, while serving with Company D, 117th Infantry, 30th Division, in action at Estrees, France. During an advance, Sergeant Karnes’ company was held up by a machinegun, which was enfilading the line. Accompanied by another soldier, he advanced against this position and succeeded in reducing the nest by killing three and capturing seven of the enemy and their guns.