John James (c. 1838 – May 23, 1902) was a British-born American soldier in the U.S. Army who served with the 5th U.S. Cavalry during the Indian Wars.
He was one of seven men who received the Medal of Honor for gallantry during the Battle of the Upper Washita River near Canadian, Texas on September 9–11, 1874.
[1] As the supply train emerged from a canyon on the Upper Washita River, they were set upon by a large Indian war party of Kiowa and Comanche.
Although a battalion from the 8th U.S. Cavalry arrived on the second day, the defenders endured continuous gunfire and two major Indian assaults numbering over 400 warriors.
[2] James was one of seven soldiers cited for "gallantry in action" during the three-day battle and received the Medal of Honor on April 23, 1875.