The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Quartermaster James Brown, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. ALBATROS during action against Fort De Russy in the Red River Area, Louisiana, on 4 May 1863. After the steering wheel and wheel ropes had been shot away by rebel fire, Quartermaster Brown stood on the gun platform of the quarterdeck, exposing himself to a close fire of musketry from the shore, and rendered invaluable assistance by his expert management of the relieving tackles in extricating the vessel from a perilous position, and thereby aided in the capture of Fort De Russy’s heavyworks.