200 Years As a State for Illinois; Medal of Honor Recipient Charles Asten-- Part 1

From Wikipedia.

(September 14, 1834  to September 14, 1885)

Was a quarter gunner born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada,  He entered the U.S. Navy in Chicago, Illinois.

In 1864, he was serving on board the USS Signal, a U.S. Navy tinclad on the Red River during that campaign.On May 4, 1864, the Signal was ordered to proceed up the Red River with dispatches from Major General Nathaniel Banks.

After going about twenty miles the ship encountered large numbers of Confederates along the banks of the river and a hot action ensued.  The Signal was also with the USS Covington and the Army transport  John Warner.  The action continued into the night.  On May 5, 1864, the Signal was disabled and the crew, including Asten reluctantly abandoned their ship.

They were captured on land.

--Old B-R'er