The Early Years

John Henry Cook was born on 19 Jul 1840 in the City of London, England, United Kingdom. John as an English soldier who fought in the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor for bravery during combat, for his action at Pleasant Hill in Louisiana on 9 Apr 1864. He was honored with the award on 19 Sep 1890.

The Civil War

John Henry Cook, resident of Ellington, Illinois, United States and was described as 5'8", black hair, hazel eyes and had a light complexion.  John enlisted in the Union Army for three years on 14 Aug 1862 at Quincy, Adams as a Corporal. On 7 Oct 1862 he was assigned to Company A, 119th Regiment, Illinois Infantry. He received one promotion prior to discharge to Sergeant.

On 7 Jun 1865 he was discharged from the Union Army. Sergeant John Henry Cook, Medal of Honor Recipient died on 22 Jul 1916 in New York, City and is interred in Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, New York, United States.

Civil War Engagements with the 119th Illinois Infantry Regiment (Organized: Quincy, Illinois, United States on 7 Oct 1862; Mustered out: 26 Aug 1865).

Meridian campaign, (aka Meridian expedition), 14-20 Feb 1864, Lauderdale County, Mississippi, United States, Union Victory

Red River campaign, (aka Red River expedition), 10 Mar-22 May 1864, densely forested gulf coastal plain region between the Red River Valley and central Arkansas, United States, Capture of Shreveport.

Battle of Pleasant Hill, (formed part of the Red River Campaign), 19 Apr 1864, Desoto and Sabine parishes, Louisiana, Historian Ludwell H. Johnson refers to the battle as a Union tactical victory, some say it was a draw

Battle of Tupelo, (aka Battle of Harrisburg), 14-15 Jul 1864, Near Tupelo, Mississippi, Union Victory

Siege of Petersburg, (aka Richmond–Petersburg campaign), was a series of battles, 8 Jun 1864-25 Mar 1865, Petersburg, Virginia, United States, Union victory

Battle of Westport, 23 Oct 1864, Westport (present-day Kansas City), Missouri, United States, Union Victory

Battle of Nashville, 15-16 Dec 1864, Nashville, Tennessee, United States, End of the Army of Tennessee as an effective fighting force, Union Victory

Battle of Fort Blakeley, 2 Apr Dec 1865, Baldwin County, Alabama, United States, Fort Blakeley surrendered to the U.S, Union Victory

Sergeant John Henry Cook fought in the American Civil War and received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the assault at Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. During an attack by the enemy, Sergeant Cook voluntarily left the brigade quartermaster, with whom he had been detailed as a clerk, rejoined his command, and, acting as first lieutenant, led the line farther toward the charging enemy in Warren County, Mississippi on 22 May 1863, United States, while serving with Company G, 97th Regiment, Illinois Infantry.

President Benjamin Harrison of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, took pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant John Henry Cook, United States Army, on 19 Sep 1890 for extraordinary heroism, while serving with Company A, 119th Illinois Infantry, in action at Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. During an attack by the enemy, Sergeant Cook voluntarily left the brigade quartermaster, with whom he had been detailed as a clerk, rejoined his command, and, acting as first lieutenant, led the line farther toward the charging enemy.

In accordance to military tradition, service members salute Medal of Honor recipients, regardless of rank. This is a matter of respect for the recipients' sacrifices and is not required by law. Department of Defense Saluting MOH Recipients. In addition, MOH Recipients receive special benefits: 1. A Monthly Pension and Special Retirement Pay; 2. Uniform Allowances; 3. On-Base Parking Spots; 4. Priority Space-A Travel; 5. Invitations to Presidential Inaugurals; 6. Academy Appointments for Dependents; 7. A Medal of Honor Flag; 8. Full Military Burial Honors Military Times, Special Benefits for MOH Recipients.

Death and Burial

Medal of Honor Recipient Sergeant John Henry Cook died on Saturday, 22 Jul 1916 at the age of 76 years, 0 months, 3 days in New York, New York County, New York, United States.