Career
He served under the name Lann. Born on August 29, 1843, in Rochester, New York, Lanning enlisted in the 1st New York Independent Battery Light Artillery (July 1861) and served with said Battery until the battle of Antietam (September 1862). He was seriously injured in this battle and eventually sent home.
When he was recovered he tried to return to his group but was told that he was done, go home.
So he joined the Navy under the name Lann, from that state. By March 5, 1865, he was serving as a landsman on the United States Ship Magnolia.
On that day and the next, he accompanied a Union Army force during the Battle of Natural Bridge near Saint Marks, Florida. He helped transport and fire a naval howitzer throughout the engagement despite heavy Confederate fire.
The medal was issued under the name he had enlisted with, Lann.
He was one of six sailors to receive the medal for manning artillery pieces during the battle, the others being Seaman John Mack, Seaman George Pyne, Ordinary Seaman Charles Read, Coxswain George Schutt, and Seaman Thomas Smith. As landsman on board the United States.S. Magnolia, Saint Marks, Florida, 5 and 6 March, Lann served with the Army in charge of Navy howitzers during the attack on Saint Marks and throughout this fierce engagement made remarkable efforts in assisting transport of the gun. His coolness and determination in standing by his gun while under the fire of the enemy were a cr to the service to which he belonged.