The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Seaman Hudson Van Etten, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action on board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Seaman Van Etten displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this period.