John Alexander Logan Jr.

Led his battalion against entrenched defenders at the front.

John Alexander Logan Jr. was born at Carbondale, Illinois, on 24 July 1865. Originally named Manning Alexander Logan, he was the son of John A. Logan, the Union general and United States senator, and writer Mary Logan. He attended West Point but did not complete the course.

During the Spanish-American War of 1898, Logan received a volunteer commission and served in staff duties in Cuba. He subsequently became a major in the 33rd United States Volunteer Infantry, raised for service in the Philippines.

On 11 November 1899, the regiment advanced towards San Jacinto on Luzon. Filipino forces held prepared positions in difficult terrain. As commander of a battalion, Logan took a leading part in the assault on their entrenchments. He was mortally wounded while pressing the attack. His personal leadership in the face of enemy fire became the basis for the Medal of Honor awarded posthumously on 3 May 1902.

Logan was thirty-four when he died. His body was returned to the United States and buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Youngstown, Ohio. His widow Edith and their family survived him.

Official Medal of Honor citation

For most distinguished gallantry in leading his battalion upon the entrenchments of the enemy, on which occasion he fell mortally wounded.