Skip to main content
This is the USCIS preview website. Visit uscis.gov for the official USCIS site.
USCIS Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government    Here's how you know
Español
Multilingual Resources
Official Government Website

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Website

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
 
Sign In  
Access USCIS online services.
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
Sign In
Create Account
Horizontal Menu
  • Topics
  • Forms
  • Newsroom
  • Citizenship
  • Green Card
  • Laws
  • Tools
  • Contact us
  • Multilingual Resources
  • Ask Emma
Main navigation
Skip to main content
  • About Us
    • Mission and Core Values
      • What We Do
    • Organization
      • Leadership
      • Directorates and Program Offices
        • Administrative Appeals Office (AAO)
        • Office of Performance and Quality
        • External Affairs Directorate
        • Field Operations Directorate
        • Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate
        • Immigration Records and Identity Services Directorate
        • Management Directorate
        • Office of Equal Opportunity and Inclusion
        • Office of Investigations
        • Office of Privacy
        • Office of the Chief Counsel
        • Office of the Executive Secretariat
        • Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations Directorate
        • Service Center Operations Directorate
    • Our History
      • History Office and Library
        • About the History Office
        • Featured Stories from the USCIS History Office and Library
        • History Office Webinars
        • Historical Library
        • Research Guides
      • Commissioners and Directors
      • Overview of Agency History
    • Find a USCIS Office
      • Field Offices
      • USCIS Facilities Dedicated to the Memory of Immigrant Medal of Honor Recipients
      • USCIS Office Closings
      • If You Feel Sick, Do Not Come to Your USCIS Appointment; Please Cancel and Reschedule It
      • International Offices
        • Beijing
        • Guangzhou
        • Guatemala City
        • Mexico City
        • Nairobi
        • New Delhi
        • San Salvador
    • Budget, Planning and Performance
    • Contact Us
      • USCIS Contact Center
    • Disability Accommodations for the Public
    • Careers
      • Career Opportunities
      • How to Apply
      • Special Hiring Programs
      • Benefits
      • Training
    • New Employee Information and Forms
    • Equal Employment Opportunity
      • No FEAR Act
      • USCIS Notification of Violation
      • How Do I File An Equal Employment Opportunity Complaint?
    • USCIS Contracting
      • USCIS Contracting Opportunities
      • Vendor Engagement
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. About Us
  3. Find a USCIS Office
  4. USCIS Facilities Dedicated to the Memory of Immigrant Medal of Honor Recipients
  5. Cpl. John J. Beaufort

Cpl. John J. Beaufort

USCIS New Orleans Field Office

Picture of  battle between cannons on land and ships at sea, the flag flies in the picture

The New Orleans District Office dedicates the New Orleans Field Office to Corporal John J. Beaufort, a Civil War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient. Born in Paris, France, around 1831, Beaufort (whose given name in French was Jean) eventually made his way to New Orleans. He enlisted in Company A, 2nd Louisiana Infantry, on Aug. 27, 1862.

Beaufort was serving with his unit at Port Hudson, Louisiana, when he volunteered to lead a team of eight soldiers into enemy territory. On May 20, 1863, they destroyed a signal station, greatly aiding in the operations against Port Hudson that followed. The siege of Port Hudson lasted 48 days, until Gen. Franklin Gardner surrendered the Confederate stronghold to Union Gen. Nathaniel Banks.

Just one week after his covert mission, Beaufort was shot in both legs. One of the wounds ruptured during the summer of 1864 while he was on duty aboard a transport ship. He was sent to the Invalid Corps. Beaufort was discharged by Surgeon’s Certificate on  Nov. 9, 1864, due to a “hernia of gunshot wound of left leg.”

After his military service, Beaufort moved to Donaldsville in Ascension Parish. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in the Civil District Court of New Orleans on Aug. 29, 1883. He moved to Washington, D.C., likely between 1892 and 1896, and worked as a shoemaker.

Beaufort received his Medal of Honor on July 20, 1897, 34 years after his act of bravery. He died two months later and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Last Reviewed/Updated:
04/28/2016
Was this page helpful?
0 / 2000
To protect your privacy, please do not include any personal information in your feedback. Review our Privacy Policy.
Return to top
  • Topics
  • Forms
  • Newsroom
  • Citizenship
  • Green Card
  • Laws
  • Tools
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
LinkedIn
Email
Contact USCIS
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal

USCIS.gov

An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Important links
  • About USCIS
  • Accessibility
  • Budget and Performance
  • DHS Components
  • Freedom of Information Act
  • No FEAR Act Data
  • Privacy and Legal Disclaimers
  • Site Map
  • Office of the Inspector General
  • The White House
  • USA.gov
Looking for U.S. government information and services?
Visit USA.gov