James M. Drake


James Madison Drake was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Drake received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Port Walthall Junction in Virginia on 6 May 1864. He was honored with the award on 3 March 1873.

Biography

Drake was born in the Washington Valley near Washington Rock in Somerset County, New Jersey on 25 March 1837. He joined the 9th New Jersey Infantry in July 1861. After the war, he served in the New Jersey National Guard, rising to the rank of Colonel. He also worked as a newspaper publisher and author in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Drake died on 28 November 1913 and his remains are interred at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hillside, New Jersey.

Medal of Honor citation