Charles H. Baldwin

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Coal Heaver Charles H. Baldwin, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Wyalusing and participating in a plan to destroy the rebel ram Albermarle in Roanoke River, North Carolina, 25 May 1864. Volunteering for the hazardous mission, Coal Heaver Baldwin participated in the transfer of two torpedoes across an island swamp. Weighted by a line which was used to transfer the torpedoes, he swam the river and, when challenged by a sentry, was forced to abandon the plan after erasing its detection and before it could be carried to completion. Escaping the fire of the muskets, Coal Heaver Baldwin spent two days and nights of hazardous travel without food, and finally arrived, fatigued, at the mother ship.