John Nicholas Coyne Jr. (November 14, 1839 to March 4, 1907) was a United States military officer who fought with the Union Army as a member of the 70th New York Infantry during the American Civil War.

He received his nation's highest award for valor, the U.S. Medal of Honor,[1] for capturing an enemy flag while engaged in hand-to-hand combat during the Battle of Williamsburg in Virginia on May 5, 1862.

Initially reared in New York City with his brother, Charles Russell Coyne (1845–1899), and their half-siblings, Samuel P. (1822–1904), Hannah S.(1824–1885) and Susan Jane Avery (b.

[8] John N. Coyne became one of his nation's earliest responders to President Abraham Lincoln's call for volunteers to help defend Washington, D.C. following the fall of Fort Sumter on April 13, 1861.

According to Medal of Honor historians W. F. Beyer and O. F. Keydel:[11] When the enemy were overtaken at Williamsburg [on May 5, 1862] the Third Excelsior, of the Seventieth New York Volunteers, was in advance.

The color-bearer waved the flag, and, as its folds spread out and showed the stars and stripes, the rebels advanced from the woods and opened fire.

The rebel was too strong to be conquered by such an assault, and defended his flag bravely until a bullet, shattering his right hand, forced him to loosen his hold and enabled Coyne to drag the trophy from him.

Tearing the flag from the staff and tying it around his body, he turned to offer battle to any one who should attempt to retake it; but survivors of the enemy were hurriedly leaving the field before a rescuing party sent by General Heintzelman.

Of the brave band who had supported their leader but few remained standing, and Sergeant Cook, Corporal Beekman, and Privates Howard and Lynch were killed outright.

[21][22] In 1893, he attended the fourth annual convention of the Medal of Honor Legion, which was held at the Holland House in New York City in October.

Date of Issue: April 18, 1888:[5][6] The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant John Nicholas Coyne, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on May 5, 1862, while serving with Company B, 70th New York Infantry, in action at Williamsburg, Virginia, for capture of a flag after a severe hand-to-hand contest; was mentioned in orders for his gallantry.