The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Paymaster’s Steward Michael Aheam, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Carrying out his duties courageously, Paymaster’s Steward Aheam exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended by his divisional officer for gallantry under enemy fire.