The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Chief Master At Arms John S. Stokes, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession while serving on board the U.S.S. New York off the coast of Jamaica, 31 March 1899. Showing gallant conduct, Chief Master at Arms Stokes jumped overboard and assisted in the rescue of Peter Mahoney, Watertender, U.S. Navy.