The "List of Officers of the U.S Navy and of the Marine Corps 1775-1990" shows the following for Danels:

Midshipman, 10 October 1841; Passed Midshipman, 10 August 1847; Master, 14 September 1855; Lieutenant, 15 September 1855; Resigned, 23 April 1861; Acting Master, 5 September 1862; Acting Lieutenant, 3 June 1863; Acting Volunteer Lieutenant-Commander, 18 May 1864. Lieutenant-Commander, 16 July 1862. Died of wounds 23 March 1865.

The 1847 "Navy Register" shows the date as Midshipman being 19 October 1841.

"Going South: U.S. Navy Officer Resignations & Dismissals On The Eve of the Civil War" shows that Danels' resignation was accepted on 14 May 1861, and lists that he was born in, was appointed from and was a resident of Maryland.

He does not appear to be listed in the 1862 "Navy Register". The 1863 "Navy Register" shows Danels' resignation, and also that he was an Acting Master's Mate on the Steamer 'Vanderbilt'. The 1864 "Navy Regsiter" shows Danels as an Acting Lieutenant on the Steamer 'Vanderbilt', with a date of rank from June 3, 1863. The 1865 "Navy Register" shows Danels as an Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Commander with a date of rank from August 2, 1864, still on board the 'Vanderbilt'.

The 1866 "Navy Register" shows he died in Baltimore, Md.

In the ORN, S1V4 a report by Lt. Pend. G. Watmough, dated May 11, 1861 from Philadelphia, states that on May 7 Danels was taken on board the screw steamer 'Thomas Sparks', with a detachment of men from the 'Alleghany' at Annapolis, along with a detachment army troops and a 6 pdr. field gun. Danels and his men were returned to the 'Alleghany' the next day.

The ORN S1V2 has a report from Danels on board the 'Vanderbilt', dated November 11, 1863 regarding the quantity, quality and value of coal taken at Penguin Island (Angra Pequena). The 'Vanderbilt' was searching for Confederate cruisers when she landed at the West African port.

The ORN S1V11 has several entries about Danels. He was involved on shore during an attact on Fort Fisher by naval personnel below Wilmington, NC. Danels led 11 boats ashore for a landing on the morning of January 15, 1865, and assisted in rallying the sailors after an unsuccessful attack and hasty retreat.

A report by Lieut. Commander Parker of the 'Minnesota', dated January 16, 1865 includes the following: "I desire to say a few words in respect to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant-Commander Joseph D. Danels, of the 'Vanderbilt'. He came ashore in command of the party from his vessel, and was of my division. Although fitter for the sick bed of a hospital than for the field, he persisted in going to the assault. he started with us, marched until his strength gave out and hsi weak body was unable to carry his brave heart forward, when by my orders he went into the trench thrown up by Lieutenant Prestons's party. It was no fault of his that he was not found in the front of the advance when the order to charge came".

A report by Lieut. Commander K.R. Breese of the 'Malvern' dated January 28, 1865 states: "I also wish to say that Acting Lieutenant-Commander Danels, of the 'Vanderbilt', suffering from ill health and unable to keep up with the assaulting party, rendered much valuable assistance in rallying the troops and in caring for the wounded."

Danels is not listed in the number of wounded 'Vanderbilt' crewmen from the Fort Fisher action. It appears that Danels was wounded or ill previous to the attack on Fort Fisher.

Hope this helps,
Bob