The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor (First Award) to Boatswain’s Mate Patrick Mullen, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action, serving as Boatswain’s Mate on board the U.S.S. Wyandank during a boat expedition up Mattox Creek, Virginia, 17 March 1865. Rendering gallant assistance to his commanding officer, Boatswain’s Mate Mullen, lying on his back, loaded the howitzer and then fired so carefully as to kill and wound many rebels, causing their retreat.


