The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Landsman George Washington McWilliams, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Pontoosuc during the capture of Fort Fisher and Wilmington, North Carolina, 24 December 1864, to 22 February 1865. Carrying out his duties faithfully throughout this period, Landsman McWilliams was so severely wounded in the assault upon Fort Fisher that he was sent to the hospital at Portsmouth, Virginia. George McWilliams was recommended for his gallantry, skill and coolness in action while under the fire of the enemy.