Abraham Cohn

Few Civil War soldiers displayed courage in two separate battles worthy of America’s highest military honour. Abraham Cohn, a Prussian-born Jewish immigrant, Union Army officer, and Medal of Honor recipient, earned his place in American military history through extraordinary leadership at the Battle of the Wilderness and remarkable bravery during the assault on Petersburg.

Born in 1832 in Guttentag, Silesia, Prussia, Cohn immigrated to the United States before the outbreak of the American Civil War. When the Union called for volunteers, he entered military service in New York City on 22 July 1861 and joined the 68th New York Infantry as a sergeant.

Cohn quickly proved himself to be a capable soldier and leader. He advanced from sergeant to second lieutenant, then first lieutenant, and finally captain of Company E. His rapid promotion reflected the confidence placed in his leadership during the early years of the war.

After leaving the 68th New York Infantry in December 1862, Cohn made the remarkable decision to return to military service. In January 1864, he enlisted in the 6th New Hampshire Infantry as a private. Despite previously holding a captain’s commission, he was willing to begin again in the enlisted ranks. He soon rose to the important position of regimental sergeant major.

Cohn’s defining act of heroism came at the Battle of the Wilderness on 6 May 1864. The battlefield was filled with dense woodland, smoke, confusion, and intense enemy fire. As troops from several Union regiments became disorganized and began to retreat, Cohn remained at the front.

Rather than seeking safety, he moved among the scattered soldiers, rallied them, reorganized their formation, and helped restore order under heavy fire. His Medal of Honor citation recognized him for rallying and forming troops from different regiments at a critical moment in the battle.

His courage was tested again on 30 July 1864 during the fighting at Petersburg, commonly remembered as the Battle of the Crater. After Union forces detonated a mine beneath the Confederate defensive line, the attack descended into chaos. Soldiers became trapped in and around the crater while Confederate troops poured fire onto the exposed Union positions.

In the middle of this deadly confusion, Sergeant Major Cohn carried important orders to the advanced line. He moved forward despite severe enemy fire and completed his mission with exceptional bravery and composure. His Medal of Honor citation specifically recognized the courage and coolness he displayed while delivering those orders.

For his actions at the Wilderness and Petersburg, Abraham Cohn received the Medal of Honor on 24 August 1865. One award recognized both acts of battlefield gallantry. Although he had previously reached the rank of captain, his Medal of Honor actions were performed while serving as sergeant major of the 6th New Hampshire Infantry.

Cohn’s Civil War service is also represented by the Civil War Campaign Medal. This medal was created after his death and reflects his qualifying service during the conflict. It should therefore be understood as a retrospective campaign entitlement rather than a decoration he wore during his lifetime.

Abraham Cohn died in New York City on 2 June 1897. His life represents more than a single moment of bravery. He was an immigrant who answered his adopted country’s call, an officer who willingly returned to the ranks, and a battlefield leader who moved toward danger when others were overwhelmed by it.

What makes Abraham Cohn’s legacy remarkable is not simply the Medal of Honor he received, but the courage behind its citation. At the Wilderness, he restored order when formations were collapsing. At Petersburg, he carried vital commands through severe enemy fire. In both moments, he demonstrated leadership, discipline, and complete disregard for his own safety.

Abraham Cohn was more than a decorated Civil War soldier. He was a leader under fire, a symbol of immigrant service, and an enduring example of American military courage.