The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Seaman John Williams, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the USS Commodore Perry in the attack upon Franklin, Virginia, 3 October 1862. With enemy fire raking the deck of his ship and blockades thwarting her progress, Seaman Williams remained at his post and performed his duties with skill and courage as the Commodore Perry fought a gallant battle to silence many rebel batteries as she steamed down the Blackwater River.