The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Boatswain’s Mate William Phinney, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Lackawanna during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram, Tennessee in Mobile Bay, Alabama, 5 August 1864. Serving as a Gun Captain Boatswain’s Mate Phinney showed much presence of mind in managing the gun, and gave much needed encouragement to the crew during the engagement which resulted in the capture of the prize rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of Fort Morgan.