The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Coxswain Thomas Kendrick, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action, serving as Coxswain on board the U.S.S. Oneida in the engagement at Mobile Bay, Alabama, 5 August, 1864. Volunteering for the Mobile Bay action from Bienville, Coxswain Kendrick displayed courageous devotion to duty, and his excellent conduct throughout the battle which resulted in the capture of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging of Fort Morgan, attracted the attention of the commanding officer and those serving around him.