Charles Robinson (Medal of Honor)

Charles Robinson (1840 – April 21, 1896) was a Union Navy sailor in the American Civil War and a recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during an expedition on the Yazoo River.

Born in 1840 in Dundee, Scotland, Robinson moved to the United States and was living in New York when he joined the U.S. Navy. During the Civil War, he served as a boatswain's mate on the USS Baron DeKalb (1861). From December 23 to 27, 1862, he "distinguished himself in the various actions" as his ship took part in an expedition up the Yazoo River in Mississippi. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor months later on April 3, 1863. Three of his shipmates, Ordinary Seaman Peter Cotton, Captain of the Forecastle Pierre Leon, and Boatswain's Mate John McDonald, also received the medal for their part in the expedition.

Robinson's official Medal of Honor citation reads: "Serving on board the U.S.S. Baron de Kalb, Yazoo River Expedition, 23 to 27 December 1862. Proceeding under orders up the Yazoo River, the U.S.S. Baron de Kalb, with the object of capturing or destroying the enemy's transports, came upon the steamers John Walsh, R. J. Locklan, Golden Age, and the Scotland sunk on a bar where they were ordered fired. Continuing up the river, she was fired on by the enemy, but upon returning the fire, caused the rebels to retreat. Returning down the Yazoo, she destroyed and captured large quantities of enemy equipment and several prisoners. Serving bravely throughout this action, Robinson, as boatswain's mate, 'distinguished himself in the various actions.'"

Robinson died on April 21, 1896, at age 55 or 56 and was buried in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.