The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Seaman Peter Williams, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Ironclad Steamer Monitor, Hampton Roads, Virginia, 9 March 1862. During the engagement between the U.S.S. Monitor and the C.S.S. Merrimack, Seaman Williams gallantly served throughout the engagement as Quartermaster, piloting the Monitor throughout the battle in which the Merrimack, after being damaged, retired from the scene of the battle.