The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Landsman James F. Merton, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Landsman and member of Company D, attached to the U.S.S. Colorado, during the capture of the Korean forts, 9 and 10 June 1871. Landsman Merton was severely wounded in the arm while trying to force his way into the fort.