The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private James Allen, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at South Mountain, Maryland, 14 September 1862, while serving with Company F, 16th New York Infantry. Single-handed and slightly wounded Private Allen accosted a squad of 14 Confederate soldiers bearing the colors of the 16th Georgia Infantry (Confederate States of America). By an imaginary ruse he secured their surrender and kept them at bay when the regimental commander discovered him and rode away for assistance.