The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Seaman Henry C. Courtney, United States Navy, for gallant and heroic conduct while serving on board the U.S. Training Ship Portsmouth, Washington Navy Yard, 7 February 1882. Jumping overboard from that vessel, Seaman Courtney assisted in rescuing Charles Taliaferro, jack-of-the-dust, from drowning.