John was a member of Co. C of the 1st SC Volunteer Infantry (Gregg's). He was from Richland County. He enlisted at Columbia, July 29, 1861; enrolled at Richmond, August 9, 1861; promoted to 1st Corporal between December 31, 1861, and February 28, 1862. He was promoted from 2nd Corporal between December 31, 1861, and February 28, 1862; promoted to 2nd Sergeant, September 22, 1862. promoted from 1st Corporal, September 22, 1862; wounded at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862; died of his wounds, at Richmond, Va., January 21, 1863.
John William Cordero, son of Capt'n John Cordero, was buried in Col'a So. Ca, on Sunday 25th January 1863. having been wounded, at the second battle of Manassas, in which he was engaged. He died in Richmond Va, from the effects of his wounds, a few days previous to the arrival of his body in Columbia for interment.
John is buried in the Elmwood Cemetery in Columbia, SC.