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) Joseph S. Hedges, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 17 December 1864, while serving with 4th U.S. Cavalry, in action at Harpeth River, Tennessee. At the head of his regiment First Lieutenant Hedges charged a field battery with strong infantry supports, broke the enemy’s line and, with other mounted troops, captured three guns and many prisoners.