The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Gunner’s Mate First Class George Charette, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor in action in connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 2 June 1898. Despite heavy fire from the Spanish batteries, Gunner’s Mate First Class Charette displayed extraordinary heroism throughout this operation.