The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Seaman John Dempsey, United States Navy, for distinguished and heroic conduct while serving on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge at Shanghai, China, 23 January 1875. Displaying gallant conduct, Seaman Dempsey jumped overboard from the Kearsarge and rescued from drowning one of the crew of that vessel.