The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Coxswain William McKnight, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action, serving as Captain of a gun on board the U.S.S. Varuna during the attacks on Forts Jackson and St. Philip, Louisiana. And in action against the rebel ship Morgan, 24 April 1862. During this action at extremely close range, while his ship was under furious fire and was twice rammed by the rebel ship Morgan, Coxswain McKnight remained steadfast at his gun throughout the thickest of the fight and was instrumental in inflicting damage on the enemy until the Varuna, so badly damaged that she was forced to beach, was finally sunk.