The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Seaman Thomas Lakin, United States Navy, for distinguished and heroic conduct while serving on board the U.S.S. Narragansett at the Navy Yard, Mare Island, California, November 1874. Jumping overboard, Seaman Lakin displayed gallant conduct by rescuing two men of that ship from drowning.