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.