The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Paymaster’s Steward Richard Henry Seward, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Paymaster’s Steward on board the U.S.S. Commodore, at Ship Island Sound, Louisiana, 23 November 1863. Carrying out his duties courageously, Paymaster’s Steward Seward volunteered to go on the field amidst a heavy fire to recover the bodies of two soldiers which he brought off with the aid of others; a second instance of personal valor within a fortnight.’ Promoted to acting master’s mate.