Navy Federal Credit Union

John Cooper earned his FIRST medal of Honor in the Civil War. His second award was earned for non-combat valor in Mobile Bay, Alabama, less than a year later, and shortly after the end of the Civil War, marking him as one of only 19 men to receive the Medal of Honor TWICE.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Coxswain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Brooklyn

    Action Date:

    August 5, 1864

    War Department, General Orders No. 45 (December 31, 1864)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor (First Award) to Coxswain John Cooper, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Brooklyn during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee, in Mobile Bay, Alabama, 5 August 1864. Despite severe damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks from stem to stern, Coxswain Cooper fought his gun with skill and courage throughout the furious battle which resulted in the surrender of the prize rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan.

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Quartermaster

    Action Date:

    April 26, 1865

    War Department, General Orders No. 62, June 29, 1865

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor (Second Award) to Quartermaster John Cooper, United States Navy, for gallant conduct and distinguished service while serving as Quartermaster on Acting Rear Admiral Thatcher’s staff, during the terrific fire at Mobile, Alabama, on 26 April 1865. At the risk of being blown to pieces by exploding shells, Quartermaster Cooper advanced through the burning locality, rescued a wounded man from certain death, and bore him on his back to a place of safety.