The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private John Harrington, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 12 September 1874, while serving with Company H, 6th U.S. Cavalry, in action at Washita River, Texas. While carrying dispatches Private Harrington was attacked by 125 hostile Indians, whom he and his comrades fought throughout the day. He was severely wounded in the hip and unable to move. He continued to fight, defending an exposed dying man.