John Laver Mather Cooper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Laver Mather Cooper
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|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | John Cooper |
| Born | July 24, 1828 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | August 22, 1891 (aged 63) |
| Place of burial |
Cypress Hills National Cemetery,
Brooklyn, New York |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1845 - 1866 |
| Rank | Quartermaster |
| Unit | USS Brooklyn (1858) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War *Battle of Mobile Bay |
| Awards | Medal of Honor (2) |
John Cooper (born John Laver Mather Cooper on July 24, 1828 – August 22, 1891) was a very brave sailor in the United States Navy. He is one of only nineteen people in history to receive the Medal of Honor twice. Even more amazing, he earned both awards for two completely different acts of heroism!
His first Medal of Honor was for his actions during the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864. He was serving on the ship USS Brooklyn (1858) at the time. His second award came after he bravely rescued a wounded man from a dangerous fire on April 26, 1865.
John Cooper was laid to rest at Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.
Who Was John Cooper?
John Cooper was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1828. He later moved to the United States and joined the Navy. He served for many years, from 1845 to 1866. During his time in the Navy, he reached the rank of Quartermaster. A quartermaster helps steer the ship and keeps it on course.
Bravery in the Civil War
John Cooper showed incredible courage during the American Civil War. One of his most famous moments happened during the Battle of Mobile Bay. This was a very important naval battle fought in Alabama. On August 5, 1864, the USS Brooklyn, where Cooper served, was in the thick of the fighting. Cooper's actions during this intense battle earned him his first Medal of Honor. He performed his duties with great bravery, even under heavy enemy fire.
Another Act of Heroism
Just a few months after the Battle of Mobile Bay, John Cooper proved his bravery again. On April 26, 1865, there was an accidental fire. The fire was very dangerous, and a wounded man was trapped. Without thinking of his own safety, Cooper bravely went into the burning area. He managed to rescue the injured man from the flames. This amazing act of courage saved the man's life. For this selfless deed, John Cooper received his second Medal of Honor.
A Rare Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest award for bravery a person can receive in the U.S. military. It is given for extreme acts of courage, often risking one's own life. Earning it once is a huge achievement. Earning it twice, for two separate acts of bravery, is incredibly rare. John Cooper is one of only a handful of people in history to achieve this. His story reminds us of the amazing courage of those who serve their country.
See also
