The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Quartermaster John McGowan, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Quartermaster on the U.S.S. Varuna. Quartermaster McGowan occupied one of the most responsible positions on the U.S.S. Varuna during the attacks on Forts Jackson and St. Philip, Louisiana, and in action against the rebel ship Morgan on 24 April 1862. Although guns were raking the decks from behind him, Quartermaster McGowan remained steadfast at the wheel throughout the thickest of the fight, continuing at his station and rendering service with the greatest courage and skill until his ship, repeatedly holed and twice rammed by the enemy, was beached and sunk.