John Lawson was a notable African American sailor who served as a gunner on the USS Hartford, Admiral David Farragut’s flagship during the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. On August 5 of that year, during the battle, Lawson demonstrated remarkable bravery. When the ship came under heavy fire, he remained at his post, loading and firing the guns despite the intense danger. His actions were instrumental in the Union’s success in the battle, which was a critical victory in the Civil War.
For his extraordinary courage, Lawson was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. His recognition was part of a broader pattern of African Americans serving with distinction in the Union Navy, despite the racial challenges they faced at the time.
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