The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Coxswain Maurice Wagg, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Rhode Island, which was engaged in saving the lives of the officers and crew of the U.S.S. Monitor off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, 30 December 1862. Participating in the hazardous task of rescuing the officers and crew of the sinking Monitor, Coxswain Wagg distinguished himself by meritorious conduct during this operation.