Navy Quartermaster John Cooper is listed as a Notable burial at https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/cypresshills.asp.

He wasn't born in the United States, but once he immigrated here at age 17, he chose to serve his adopted country. By doing so, he became one of only 19 Medal of Honor recipients to earn the military’s highest honor twice.  

Cooper was born John Laver Mather in Dublin, Ireland, on July 24, 1828. Little is known about his life before he moved to the U.S., but after he did so in August 1845, he immediately joined the Navy and decided to go by the last name Cooper. 

A star medal with an insignia is held to a clasp with a red, white and blue ribbon.   According to military pension documents, Cooper served in the Mexican-American War before being discharged in 1849. In 1856, he married Mary O'Keeffe. The couple went on to have three sons: John Jr., Edward and William. 

CMOH Citations: https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/1712


*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events.


Depiction of Battle of Mobile Bay.  Library of Congress.

JOHN COOPER

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