Anglin volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy and was assigned as a Cabin Boy to the Union side-wheel gunboat USS Pontoosuc (1864).

On January 15, 1865, the North Carolina Confederate stronghold of Fort Fisher was taken by a combined Union storming party of sailors, marines, and soldiers under the command of Admiral David Dixon Porter and General Alfred Terry.

Fourteen-year-old Anglin was exposed to enemy fire while serving on the deck of the USS Pontoosuc.

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Cabin Boy John Angling, [sic] United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S.

59 (June 22, 1865) Action Date: January 15, 1865 Service: Navy Rank: Cabin Boy Division: U.S.S.