First Lieutenant David L. Cockley, a soldier in the U.S. Army, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on December 4, 1864 in Waynesboro, Georgia during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with Company L, 10th Ohio Cavalry. Cockley was 21 years old.
The medal was presented on August 2, 1897, 32 years after the action. He later rose to the rank of Captain.
Cockley was born on June 8, 1843 in Lexington, Richland County, Ohio. His Medal of Honor is credited to Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. Cockley died on December 26, 1901, at the age of 58. He is buried at Oakland Cemetery in Shelby, Ohio.
Cockley is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 256 credited to Ohio.
Official Medal of Honor citation
While acting as aide-de-camp to a general officer, he three times asked permission to join his regiment in a proposed charge upon the enemy, and in response to the last request, having obtained such permission, joined his regiment and fought bravely at its head throughout the action.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Places
Timeline
- June 8, 1843Born in Lexington, Richland County, Ohio
- December 4, 1864Act of valor — Waynesboro, GeorgiaAge 21. Company L, 10th Ohio Cavalry
- August 2, 1897Medal of Honor presented
- December 26, 1901DiedAge 58.
- Resting placeOakland CemeteryShelby, Ohio
Biography
First Lieutenant David L. Cockley (June 8, 1843 – December 26, 1901) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Cockley received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Waynesboro in Georgia on 4 December 1864. He was honored with the award on 2 August 1897.
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