Biografía
He was living in Northampton MA USA when he enlisted in the US Navy.
Servicio militar
He was born in 1841 in St. Jean, Lower Canada. Awarded for actions while "He served as quartermaster on board the U.S.S. Cincinnati during the attack on the Vicksburg batteries and at the time of her sinking, 27 May 1863. Engaging the enemy in a fierce battle, the Cincinnati, amidst an incessant fire of shot and shell, continued to fire her guns to the last, though so penetrated by enemy shellfire that her fate was sealed. Conspicuously cool in making signals throughout the battle, Bois, after all the Cincinnati's staffs had been shot away, succeeded in nailing the flag to the stump of the forestaff to enable this proud ship to go down, "with her colors nailed to the mast." His medal was awarded 24 November 1916. G.O. No.: 17, 10 July 1863.
