Cranston received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia on 2 May 1863.

[1][2] Cranston was born in Woodstock, Ohio on 20 November 1838.

He died on 7 December 1907 at the age of 69, and his remains are interred at Oakwood Cemetery, Parsons, Kansas.

One of a party of 4 who voluntarily brought in a wounded Confederate officer from within the enemy's line in the face of a constant fire.

This article about a person of the American Civil War is a stub.