James Lawrence Lardner (November 20, 1802 – April 12, 1881) was an officer in the United States Navy during the American Civil War.

Lardner spent three years as commander of Porpoise and the sloop-of-war Dale in the Africa Squadron before returning to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1853.

[1] In September 1861, during the Civil War, Lardner, in command of the frigate Susquehanna, took a pertinent part in the Battle of Port Royal and the capture of Forts Walker and Beauregard.

He was commended for gallantry in action by Rear Admiral Samuel F. Du Pont; his name was sent to Congress for a vote of thanks by President Abraham Lincoln.

He served on special duty with various boards until 1869, when he was appointed Governor of the Naval Asylum, Philadelphia.