Asa Betham

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Asa Betham (born around 1838 in New York City) was a sailor in the United States Navy during the Civil War. He served as a coxswain on the Union side-wheel gunboat USS Pontoosuc. He enlisted in New York City in July 1861. On January 15, 1865, during the Second Battle of Fort Fisher in North Carolina, he took part in a naval assault that helped capture the fort. For his extraordinary bravery under heavy enemy fire, Betham was awarded the Medal of Honor. The citation notes his steadfast performance and cool courage from December 24, 1864 to January 22, 1865. His date of death is unknown.