John S. Lanning

John S. Lanning (August 29, 1843 – April 13, 1907) was a Union Navy sailor and a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in the American Civil War. He served under the name John S. Lann.

Born on August 29, 1843, in Rochester, New York, Lanning enlisted in the 1st New York Independent Battery Light Artillery (July 1861) and served with said Battery until the battle of Antietam (Sept. 1862). He was seriously injured in this battle and eventually sent home. When he was recovered he tried to return to his group but was told that he was done, go home. So he joined the Navy under the name John S. Lann, from that state. By March 5, 1865, he was serving as a landsman on the . On that day and the next, he accompanied a Union Army force during the Battle of Natural Bridge near St. Marks, Florida. He helped transport and fire a naval howitzer throughout the engagement despite heavy Confederate fire. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor three months later, on June 22, 1865. The medal was issued under the name he had enlisted with, John S. Lann.