Matthew Arlington Batson

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant (Cavalry) Matthew Arlington Batson, United States Army, for most distinguished gallantry on 26 July 1899, while serving with 4th Cavalry, in action at Calamba, Luzon, Philippine Islands. First Lieutenant Batson swam the San Juan River in the face of the enemy’s fire and drove him from his entrenchments.