Boatswain's Mate James Byrnes (born James Fisher, 1838 – February 9, 1882) was an Irish sailor who fought in the American Civil War. Byrnes received the United States' highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action aboard the during the Battle of Fort Hindman. He was honored with the award on 3 April 1863.
Biography
Byrnes was born in Ireland in 1838. He enlisted in the Navy from New York, and was assigned to the USS Louisville.