John Coughlin (soldier)

John Coughlin (1837 to May 27, 1912) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Coughlin received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action at Swifts Creek in Virginia on 9 May 1864. He was honored with the award on 31 August 1893.[1][2][3]

John Coughlin
Born	1837 Williamstown, Vermont
Died	May 27, 1912 Manchester, New Hampshire
Buried	Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Army Union Army
Years of service	1862 - 1865
Rank	Lieutenant Colonel Brevet Brigadier General
Unit	10th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry
Battles/wars	Battle of Swift Creek
Awards	Medal of Honor

Biography

Coughlin was born in Williamstown, Vermont, in 1837. He was appointed as Lieutenant Colonel of the 10th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in September 1862, and mustered out with the regiment in June 1865. He died on 27 May 1912, and his remains are interred at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. [4]

Medal of Honor citation

During a sudden night attack upon Burnham's Brigade, resulting in much confusion, this officer, 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.[1][2]

See also

• List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: A–F

References

1. "Civil War (A-L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 30 November 2013.
2. "John Coughlin". Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
3. "U.S. Army Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 30 November 2013.
4. Arlington Cemetery