ivil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Scotland, he served in the Union Navy as a Seaman on board the wooden side-wheel steam warship "USS Metacomet". He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery during the naval actions at Mobile Bay, Alabama, on August 5, 1864. His citation reads "As a member of the boat's crew which went to the rescue of the US Monitor Tecumseh when that vessel was struck by a torpedo in passing the enemy forts in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864, Seaman Avery braved the enemy fire which was said by the admiral to be "one of the most galling" he had seen, and aided in rescuing from death 10 of the crew of the Tecumseh, eliciting the admiration of both friend and foe." His Medal was awarded to him on January 15, 1866. He remained in the United States Navy after the war, and had a long career serving on the seas.