The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Quartermaster William B. Poole, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action and service as quartermaster on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Stationed at the helm, Quartermaster Poole steered the ship during the engagement in a cool and most creditable manner and was highly commended by his divisional officer for his gallantry under fire.