The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Quarter Gunner James Tallentine, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Quarter Gunner on board the U.S.S. Tacony during the taking of Plymouth, North Carolina, 31 October 1864. Carrying out his duties faithfully during the capture of Plymouth, Quarter Gunner Tallentine distinguished himself by a display of coolness when he participated in landing and spiking a 9-inch gun while under devastating fire from enemy musketry. Quarter Gunner Tallentine later gave his life while courageously engaged in storming Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865.