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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --
Ordinary Seaman Peter Cotton, USN, (Born in 1839)
Peter Cotton was born in 1839 in New York City, New York. He
enlisted in the U.S. Navy from that state and served as an Ordinary
Seaman on board USS Baron
De Kalb during the American Civil War. He "distinguished
himself" as the ship's Coxswain from 23 to 27 December 1862,
while she took part in the Yazoo River Expedition. For his conduct
at during that time, Cotton was awarded the Medal
of Honor.
This page features the only image we have concerning Peter
Cotton.
Click on the small photograph to prompt
a larger view of the same image.
Photo #: NH 105504
U.S. Navy Medal of Honor
Reverse of a Medal of Honor awarded to Ordinary Seaman Peter
Cotton, USN, who "distinguished himself" while serving
as Coxswain on board USS Baron De Kalb during the Yazoo
River expedition, 23 to 27 December 1862.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 108KB; 545 x 765 pixels |
 |
Medal of Honor citation of Ordinary Seaman Peter Cotton, USN
(as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor,
1861-1949, The Navy", page 20):
"COTTON served on board the U.S.S. Baron De Kalb
in the Yazoo River 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.'" |
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Page made 26 February 2008
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