The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Seaman Joseph Irlam, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while stationed at the wheel on board the U.S.S. Brooklyn during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, Alabama, 5 August 1864. When heavy enemy fire struck down several men at their guns and replacements were not available, Seaman Irlam voluntarily released two men who were stationed with him and carried on at the wheel with the assistance of only one of the crew throughout the furious battle.