The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant (Cavalry) John T. Rutherford, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with Company L, 9th New York Cavalry. First Lieutenant Rutherford made a successful charge at Yellow Tavern, Virginia, 11 May 1864, by which 90 prisoners were captured. On 27 May 1864, at Hanovertown, Virginia, in a gallant dash on a superior force of the enemy and in a personal encounter, he captured his opponent.