The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private James T. Murphy, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 25 March 1865, while serving with Company L, 1st Connecticut Artillery, in action at Petersburg, Virginia. A piece of artillery having been silenced by the enemy, Private Murphy voluntarily assisted in working the piece, conducting himself throughout the engagement in a gallant and fearless manner.