Born into slavery, after the Civil War Jordan joined the Army from Nashville, Tennessee.

On May 7, 1890, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Tularosa on May 14, 1880, and at Carrizo Canyon on August 12, 1881.

He was also awarded the Certificate of Merit for his actions at the Carrizo Canyon engagement, which brought with it an additional $2 a month in extra pay.

[1] In 1887, Jordan was commended by the commander at Fort Robinson for capturing an escaped prisoner.

[2] After retirement, he lived in a community with fellow veteran Buffalo Soldiers in Crawford, Nebraska.