John H. Cook

Leaving clerk duties to lead at Pleasant Hill

John Henry Cook was born on July 19, 1840, in London, England. He entered service at Quincy, Illinois, and served as a sergeant in Company A, 119th Illinois Infantry, during the American Civil War.

On April 9, 1864, at Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, Cook was detailed as a clerk to the brigade quartermaster when enemy troops attacked. He voluntarily left that assignment and rejoined his command. Acting in the role of a first lieutenant, he led the line farther toward the charging enemy. His Medal of Honor citation recognizes his initiative in returning to the fighting and assuming leadership.

Cook received the award on September 19, 1890. He died on July 22, 1916, and was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York. His award preserves the conduct of an enlisted soldier who moved from staff duties to the front when his command faced an attack.

Official Medal of Honor citation: During an attack by the enemy, voluntarily left the brigade quartermaster, with whom he had been detailed as a clerk, rejoined his command, and, acting as first lieutenant, led the line farther toward the charging enemy.