Aiming at the Confederate rifle pits onshore
150 years ago today a Union flotilla, advancing up the James River to assault Richmond, was repulsed by the Confederates at Drewry’s Bluff. The USS Galena absorbed the brunt of the rebel fire. Marine corporal John Freeman Mackie, onboard the Galena, became the first marine awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the battle. According to the US Army Center of Military History:
Citation: On board the U.S.S. Calena [Galena] in the attack on Fort Darling at Drewry’s Bluff, James River, on 15 May 1862. As enemy shellfire raked the deck of his ship, Corporal Mackie fearlessly maintained his musket fire against the rifle pits along the shore and, when ordered to fill vacancies at guns caused by men wounded and killed in action, manned the weapon with skill and courage.
You can also read Mackie’s bio at United States Marine Corps History Division, where it is said that Mackie took it upon himself to take over the heavy guns when the crews were incapacitated.
Well-deserved decorations
Galena after the battle
