Miles James

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Miles James (c. 1829 – August 28, 1871) was an African American soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War. He joined in Norfolk, Virginia, and by September 30, 1864 served as a corporal in Company B of the 36th United States Colored Troops. At the Battle of Chaffin's Farm in Virginia, he was seriously wounded, losing his left arm. Six months later, on April 6, 1865, he received the Medal of Honor for his actions there. His citation says that even after his arm needed amputation, he loaded and fired his rifle with one hand and urged his men forward, within about 30 yards of the enemy's works. He was discharged for disability in October 1865. James was born in Princess Anne County, Virginia, and died in Norfolk City, Virginia, in 1871.