b. 17/06/1832 Guttentag, Prussia (now Poland). d. 02/06/1897 New York.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 06/05/1864 Wilderness, Virginia.
Abraham Cohn MOH
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in the East Prussian town of Guttentag and came to New York at the age of 28 during the mid-19th century German Jewish emigration. He enlisted as a Private in Co. E, 6th NH Volunteers in Campton, New Hampshire on January 5, 1864 and was promoted to Sergeant-Major on March 28, 1864. On May 6, 1864, during the Battle of the Wilderness, under heavy fire he formed up his troops, to disorganize fleeing Confederates of different regiments. At Petersburg, Virginia, July 30, 1864, he bravely and coolly carried orders to the advanced line under severe fire. After the war he returned to New York City, was active in business affairs, married and was the father of eight children. He is one of seventeen Jewish Americans known to have received the Medal of Honor since it’s inception during the Civil War to the present.
MOH CITATION:
During Battle of the Wilderness rallied and formed, under heavy fire, disorganized and fleeing troops of different regiments. At Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864, bravely and coolly carried orders to the advanced line under severe fire.
BURIAL LOCATION: BETH OLAM CEMETERY, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.
SECTION 15, LOT 2
LOCATION OF MEDAL: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH MILITARY HISTORY, WASHINGTON DC.
