The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Master At Arms August Ohmsen, United States Navy, for gallant and heroic conduct while serving on board the U.S.S. Tallapoosa at the time of the sinking of that vessel, on the night of 21 August 1884. Clearing the berth deck, Master at Arms Ohmsen remained there until the water was waist deep, wading about with outstretched arms, rousing the men out of their hammocks. Then, going on deck, he assisted in lowering the first cutter and then the dinghy, of which he took charge.