James K. L. Duncan
# James K. L. Duncan

Ordinary Seaman James K. L. Duncan (July 6, 1845, to March 27, 1913) was an American sailor who fought in the American Civil War. Duncan received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action aboard the USS Fort Hindman on 2 March 1864. He was honored with the award on 31 December 1864.

## Biography

Duncan was born in Frankfort Mineral Springs, Pennsylvania on July 6, 1845. Duncan attended Monmouth College with the class of 1866 but did not return to college after leaving to join the Civil War fighting for the north. He enlisted into the U.S. Navy on June 26, 1863, in Chicago, Illinois. He was assigned to the tinclad steamer USS Fort Hindman at the time of his Medal of Honor action in March 1864. He was mustered out of service on July 8, 1864, in Red River, Louisiana. He reenlisted on March 4, 1865, and was discharged on July 13, 1866, in Pensacola, Florida.

He was married to Lillian J. Duncan. In civilian life he had a career as a physician. He was admitted to the Northwestern Branch Soldiers Home on May 2, 1910. He died on March 27, 1913, and his remains are interred at the Wood National Cemetery in Wisconsin.

## Medal of Honor citation

   Served on board the U.S.S. Fort Hindman during the engagement near Harrisonburg, Louisiana, 2 March 1864. Following a shellburst at one of the guns which started a fire at the cartridge tie, Ordinary Seaman Duncan immediately seized the burning cartridge, took it from the gun and threw it overboard, despite the immediate danger to himself. Carrying out his duties through the entire engagement, Duncan served courageously during this action in which the Fort Hindman was raked severely with shot and shell from the enemy guns.
