Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He entered the Union Navy at New York, New York. His highest rank was Coxswain. He was awarded the CMOH as an Ordinary Seaman on General Order Number 11, dated April 3, 1863. His citation reads "Cotton served on board the USS Baron De Kalb in the Yazoo River (Mississippi) expedition, 23 to 27 December 1862. Proceeding under orders up the Yazoo River, the Baron De Kalb, with the object of capturing or destroying the enemy's transports, came upon the steamers John Walsh, R.J. Locklan, Golden Age, and the Scotland, sunk on a bar where they were ordered to be burned. Continuing up the river, the Baron De Kalb was fired upon but, upon returning the fire, caused the enemy's retreat. Returning down the Yazoo, she destroyed and captured large quantities of enemy equipment and several prisoners. Serving bravely throughout this action, Cotton, as Coxswain, "distinguished himself in the various actions."
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He entered the Union Navy at New York, New York. His highest rank was Coxswain. He was awarded the CMOH as an Ordinary Seaman on General Order Number 11, dated April 3, 1863. His citation reads "Cotton served on board the USS Baron De Kalb in the Yazoo River (Mississippi) expedition, 23 to 27 December 1862. Proceeding under orders up the Yazoo River, the Baron De Kalb, with the object of capturing or destroying the enemy's transports, came upon the steamers John Walsh, R.J. Locklan, Golden Age, and the Scotland, sunk on a bar where they were ordered to be burned. Continuing up the river, the Baron De Kalb was fired upon but, upon returning the fire, caused the enemy's retreat. Returning down the Yazoo, she destroyed and captured large quantities of enemy equipment and several prisoners. Serving bravely throughout this action, Cotton, as Coxswain, "distinguished himself in the various actions."
Bio by: Don Morfe
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