Navy Federal Credit Union

ames Elson was wounded again in 1864 and carried the enemy bullet in his body until his death in 1894. After the war he returned to his hometown of Shellsburg where he served as postmaster for 8 years. In 1893 he was elected sheriff of Benton County

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Division:

    9th Iowa Infantry

    Action Date:

    May 22, 1863

    Date of Issue: September 12, 1891

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant James M. Elson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 22 May 1863, while serving with Company C, 9th Iowa Infantry, in action at Vicksburg, Mississippi. Sergeant Elson carried the colors in advance of his regiment and was shot down while attempting to plant them on the enemy’s works.