John Laver Mather Cooper

John Laver Mather Cooper earned the Medal of Honor twice, first at Mobile Bay under enemy fire and then in a burning city while saving a wounded man.

Born John Laver Mather in Dublin on July 24, 1828, he adopted the surname Cooper when he enlisted. During the Civil War he served as coxswain aboard USS Brooklyn.

At Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, Cooper kept his gun in action while enemy fire swept Brooklyn and caused severe damage and casualties. The battle ended with the surrender of the Confederate ram Tennessee.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed)

Fought his gun with skill and courage throughout the Battle of Mobile Bay despite heavy enemy fire, damage to his ship, and casualties around him.

Cooper later served as a quartermaster on Acting Rear Admiral Henry K. Thatcher's staff. During a major fire in Mobile on April 26, 1865, exploding shells threatened the area; Cooper entered the danger zone, lifted a wounded man onto his back, and carried him to safety. That rescue brought him a second Medal of Honor. He died on August 22, 1891, and was buried in Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn.