The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Seaman Thomas Barton, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Hunchback in the attack on Franklin, Virginia, 3 October 1862. When an ignited shell, with cartridge attached, fell out of the howitzer upon the deck, Seaman Barton promptly seized a pail of water and threw it upon the missile, thereby preventing it from exploding.