The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private James Burnes, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 1st Regiment (Marines), in action in action against the enemy at Tientsin, China, 20 June 1900. Crossing the river in a small boat with three other men while under a heavy fire from the enemy, Private Burnes assisted in destroying buildings occupied by hostile forces.