The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Quartermaster Allexander Hand, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Ceres in the fight near Hamilton, Roanoke River, North Carolina, 9 July 1862. Fired on by the enemy with small arms, Quartermaster Hand courageously returned the raking enemy fire and was spoken of for good conduct and cool bravery under enemy fire, by the commanding officer.