The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Seaman Henry Thielberg, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving temporarily on board the U.S.S. Mount Washington during the Nansemond River (Virginia) action, 14 April 1863. After assisting in hauling up and raising the flagstaff, Seaman Thielberg volunteered to go up on the pilothouse and observe the movements of the enemy and although three shells struck within a few inches of his head, remained at his post until ordered to descend.