Matthew Arlington Batson

He swam a river under enemy fire to clear the far riverbank.

Matthew Arlington Batson was born at Anna, Illinois, on 24 April 1866 and grew up in the Missouri Ozarks. Before joining the army he attended Southern Illinois University briefly, taught school and studied law. He enlisted in the 2nd Cavalry in April 1888 and rose to corporal.

Success in a competitive examination brought him a commission in the 9th Cavalry in August 1891. The regiment consisted of Black enlisted soldiers under white officers. Batson attended the Infantry and Cavalry School at Fort Leavenworth and later served with the regiment in Cuba during the 1898 campaign against Santiago.

He transferred to the 4th Cavalry and reached the Philippines in October 1898. On 26 July 1899 at Calamba on Luzon, he swam the San Juan River under enemy fire and helped drive the defenders from their entrenchments. The action brought the Medal of Honor, issued in March 1902.

Batson subsequently played a major part in organising the Macabebe Scouts, recruiting local men for service with the American forces. Their work became important to the United States' campaign against Filipino resistance. He continued operating during the war and suffered a serious gunshot wound to the foot.

His military service ended after the Philippine campaign. He returned to the United States and later pursued an interest in aviation, working on an ambitious experimental aircraft. He had married and raised a family during his army career.

He died on 13 January 1917 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. His career linked service in a regular cavalry regiment, combat in Cuba and the Philippines, and the organisation of local forces whose role became central to the American occupation.

Official citation:

Swam the San Juan River in the face of the enemy's fire and drove him from his entrenchments.