The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Landsman Martin Howard, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Tacony during the taking of Plymouth, North Carolina, 31 October 1864. Carrying out his duties faithfully during the capture of Plymouth, Landsman Howard distinguished himself by a display of coolness when he participated in landing and spiking a 9-inch gun while under a devastating fire from enemy musketry.