The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Second Class Boy Oscar E. Peck, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Second Class Boy on board the U.S.S. Varuna during an attack on Forts Jackson and St. Philip, Louisiana, 24 April 1862. Acting as powder boy of the after rifle, Second Class Boy Peck served gallantly while the Varuna was repeatedly attacked and rammed and finally sunk. This was an extremely close-range action and, although badly damaged, the Varuna delivered shells abaft the Morgan’s armor.