The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private John Vale, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 15 February 1863, while serving with Company H, 2d Minnesota Infantry, in action at Nolensville, Tennessee. Private Vale was one of a detachment of 16 men who heroically defended a wagon train against the attack of 125 cavalry, repulsed the attack and saved the train.