The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Quartermaster Thomas H. Jordan, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Galena during the attack on enemy forts at Mobile Bay, Alabama, 5 August 1864. Securely lashed to the side of the Oneida which had suffered the loss of her steering apparatus and an explosion of her boiler from enemy fire, the Galena aided the stricken vessel past the enemy forts to safety. Despite heavy damage to his ship from raking enemy fire, Quartermaster Jordan performed his duties with skill and courage throughout the action.