| Matthew Arlington Batson | |
|---|---|
Matthew A. Batson |
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| Born | April 24, 1866 Anna Illinois |
| Died | January 13, 1917 (aged 50) |
| Place of burial | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1888-1902 |
| Rank | First Lieutenant later Captain |
| Unit | 4th United States Cavalry brigade, United States Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | Philippine-American War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Matthew Arlington Batson (24 April 1866 – 13 January 1917) was a United States Army Officer who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Philippine-American War. 1st Lieutenant Batson was awarded the medal for swimming the San Juan River under enemy fire. He later obtained the rank of Captain. He was awarded his medal alongside Captain Hugh J. McGarth who performed the same feat.
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Batson joined the 2nd United States Cavalry on 9 April 1888 and was promoted successively from Private to his final rank of Captain. He retired as a Brevet Major (United States) of volunteers and a Regular Army Captain in 1901.
He died on 13 January 1917 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery Section 2, Lot 3604-WS.
Batson's Medal of Honor citation reads:
Swam the San Juan River in the face of the enemy's fire and drove him from his entrenchments.