The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Quartermaster Louis Richards, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Quartermaster on board the U.S.S. Pensacola in the attack upon Forts Jackson and St. Philip, Louisiana, and at the taking of New Orleans, 24 and 25 April 1862. Through all the din and roar of battle, Quartermaster Richards steered the ship through the narrow opening of the barricade, and his attention to orders contributed to the successful passage of the ship without once fouling the shore or the obstacles of the barricade.