The President of the United States of America,in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Boatswain’s Mate William Martin, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Boatswain’s Mate on board the USS Benton during the attack on Haines Bluff, Yazoo River, Mississippi, 27 December 1862. Taking part in the hour-and-a-half engagement with the enemy, who had the dead range of the vessel and was punishing her with heavy fire, Boatswain’s Mate Martin served courageously throughout the battle until the Benton was ordered to withdraw.