Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Regiment:

    Irish Regiment

    Division:

    10th New Hampshire Infantry

    Action Date:

    May 9, 1864

    Date of Issue: August 31, 1893

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Colonel John Coughlin, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 9 May 1864, while serving with Irish Regiment, 10th New Hampshire Infantry, in action at Swift Creek, Virginia. During a sudden night attack upon Burnham’s Brigade, resulting in much confusion, Lieutenant Colonel Coughlin, without waiting for orders, led his regiment forward and interposed a line of battle between the advancing enemy and Hunt’s Battery, repulsing the attack and saving the guns.