b. 1839 New York. d. ?
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 23-27/12/1862 USS Baron de Kalb.
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.”
MOH CITATION:
Cotton served on board the U.S.S. Baron De Kalb in the Yazoo River expedition, 23 to 27 December 1862.
BURIAL LOCATION: UNKNOWN.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER, WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, WASHINGTON DC.
