Albert Burton

Albert Burton was born in England around 1838 and worked as a mariner before entering the United States Navy. The Medal of Honor Historical Society records his enlistment in New York in 1864, when he gave his age as twenty-six. Its research notes report that a December 1864 muster aboard USS Wabash listed him as Captain of the Top, although his Medal of Honor citation identifies him as a seaman. [1, 2]

On 15 January 1865, Burton joined the naval landing force attacking Fort Fisher, North Carolina. Medal of Honor citation summary: armed with a revolver and cutlass, he advanced under heavy fire and was among the few sailors who entered the fort. When the men behind him were driven back, he withdrew for lack of support, sheltered near the stockade and eventually returned safely to his ship. [1]

The Historical Society’s research notes report that Burton deserted in February 1865. His bravery at Fort Fisher was nevertheless recognized in Navy Department General Order No. 59 of 22 June 1865. The award record and the reported later service entry concern separate events; no revocation of his Medal of Honor has been established in the records consulted. [2, 3]

Burton’s later civilian life, date of death and place of burial remain unestablished in these references. The Historical Society includes him in its Lost to History research list. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society records his medal in the naval historical collection at the Washington Navy Yard. [1, 2]

Sources [1] Congressional Medal of Honor Society: https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/albert-burton [2] Medal of Honor Historical Society of the United States, Lost to History, Albert Burton entry: https://www.mohhsus.com/lost-to-history [3] Navy Department, Bureau of Navigation, Record of Medals of Honor (1924), Albert Burton entry, G.O.59: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/45900/45900-h/45900-h.htm