Emigrating from his native Wales, Griffiths volunteered for service in the Union Army 8 April 1864 as a private in the 20th Massachusetts Infantry.

On January 15, 1865, the North Carolina Confederate stronghold of Fort Fisher was taken by a combined Union storming party of sailors, marines, and soldiers under the command of Admiral David Dixon Porter and General Alfred Terry.

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain of the Forecastle John Griffiths, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S.

As one of a boat crew detailed to one of the generals on shore, Captain of the Forecastle Griffiths bravely entered the fort in the assault and accompanied his party in carrying dispatches at the height of the battle.

59 (June 22, 1865) Action Date: January 15, 1865 Service: Navy Rank: Captain of the Forecastle Division: U.S.S.