Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Boatswain's Mate Charles W. Morton received the Medal of Honor for his actions between December 23 and 27, 1863 at Yazoo River Expedition, Mississippi during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Benton. Morton was about 27 years old.
Morton was born in 1836 in Ireland — one of 258 recipients born in Ireland. His Medal of Honor is credited to Maryland. Morton died on August 4, 1899 in Portsmouth, Virginia, at the age of about 63. He is buried at U.S. Naval Hospital Cemetery in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Morton is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 85 credited to Maryland.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Served as boatswain's mate on board the U.S.S. Benton during the Yazoo River Expedition, 23 to 27 December 1863. Taking part in the hour-and-a-half engagement with the enemy at Drumgould's Bluff, 27 December, Morton served courageously throughout the battle against the hostile forces, who had the dead-range of the vessel and were punishing her with heavy fire, until the Benton was ordered to withdraw.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- 1836Born in Ireland
- December 23 - 27, 1863Act of valor — Yazoo River Expedition, MississippiAge about 27. U.S.S. Benton
- August 4, 1899Died in Portsmouth, VirginiaAge about 63.
- Resting placeU.S. Naval Hospital CemeteryPortsmouth, Virginia
