James Thornton (naval officer)

He later became executive officer in David Farragut's flagship USS Hartford and was serving in her when she and other ships of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron dashed past Forts St. Philip and Jackson on 24 April 1862 to capture New Orleans, Louisiana.

He continued to serve in Hartford, with great credit, during the engagement with the Confederate ram Arkansas, during duels with the Vicksburg batteries, and in other operations on the Mississippi River.

In August 1862, he assumed command of gunboat Winona which was stationed with the Union blockading force off Mobile Bay, Alabama.

He subsequently became executive officer of USS Kearsarge and received a vote of thanks from Congress for gallantry during the successful engagement with the Confederate raider Alabama off Cherbourg, France, on 20 June 1864.

He was a companion of the Pennsylvania Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and was assigned insignia number 590.