Matthew Arther

Matthew Arther was a Union Navy sailor who served during the American Civil War. He demonstrated exceptional courage and devotion to duty during major naval campaigns along the Western Rivers of the United States. His distinguished service led to his recognition with the nation's highest military decoration for gallantry in action.

He is specifically remembered for his heroic actions during the Battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson in February 1862. These critical Union victories opened up the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers to Union forces, representing a major strategic turning point in the Western Theater of the war.

Arther served in the rank of Signal Quartermaster during these engagements. His conduct under fire during the intense bombardment of the enemy fortifications earned him the Medal of Honor, cementing his legacy as a prominent naval hero of the Civil War.