Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. Although his actual first name was Michael, he served under his middle name of Charles. AS native of Nova Scotia, Canada, he enlisted in the Union Navy during the Civil War and served as a Quarter Gunner on board the "USS Signal". He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in defending the "Signal" from Confederates on the Red River, Louisiana on May 5, 1864. His citation reads "Proceeding up the Red River, the USS Signal engaged a large force of enemy field batteries and sharpshooters, returning their fire until the Federal ship was totally disabled, at which time the white flag was raised. Although on the sick list, Q.G. Asten courageously carried out his duties during the engagement." After the ship was captured the crew, Gunner Asten among them, were interred in the Camp Ford Prisoner of War camp, which was near Tyler, Texas, until they were exchanged. He was awarded his Medal on December 31, 1864. Fellow "Signal" crew member Gunner's Mate George Butts was also awarded the Medal of Honor for this action.
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. Although his actual first name was Michael, he served under his middle name of Charles. AS native of Nova Scotia, Canada, he enlisted in the Union Navy during the Civil War and served as a Quarter Gunner on board the "USS Signal". He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in defending the "Signal" from Confederates on the Red River, Louisiana on May 5, 1864. His citation reads "Proceeding up the Red River, the USS Signal engaged a large force of enemy field batteries and sharpshooters, returning their fire until the Federal ship was totally disabled, at which time the white flag was raised. Although on the sick list, Q.G. Asten courageously carried out his duties during the engagement." After the ship was captured the crew, Gunner Asten among them, were interred in the Camp Ford Prisoner of War camp, which was near Tyler, Texas, until they were exchanged. He was awarded his Medal on December 31, 1864. Fellow "Signal" crew member Gunner's Mate George Butts was also awarded the Medal of Honor for this action.
Bio by: Don Morfe
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