The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Landsman Aaron Sanderson, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Wyandank during a boat expedition up Mattox Creek, Virginia, 17 March 1865. Participating with a boat crew in the clearing of Mattox Creek, Landsman Anderson carried out his duties courageously in the face of a devastating fire which cut away half the oars, pierced the launch in many places and cut the barrel off a musket being fired at the enemy.