Charles Asten

Quarter Gunner Charles Asten was officially on the sick list when USS Signal was trapped under heavy Confederate fire on the Red River. He stayed at his post anyway.

Charles Asten was born 1834 at Halifax, Nova Scotia. During the Civil War he served as Quarter Gunner in USS Signal.

On May 5, 1864, at Red River, Louisiana, signal exchanged fire with field batteries and sharpshooters until the ship was disabled and forced to surrender. Despite illness, Asten continued performing his duties throughout the engagement.

Medal of Honor Citation

Although on the sick list, courageously performed his duties throughout the engagement until USS Signal was disabled.

He died September 14, 1885, at Providence, Rhode Island. He was buried in St. Francis Cemetery in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

His record is strongest when kept close to the documented service, action, and award rather than filling gaps with unsupported detail.