The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Walter Scott West, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action on board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Private West displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.