The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Signal Quartermaster William Thompson, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism during action of the main squadron of ships against heavily defended Forts Beauregard and Walker on Hilton Head, South Carolina, 7 November 1861. Serving as Signal Quartermaster on board the U.S.S. Mohican, William Thompson steadfastly steered the ship with a steady and bold heart under the batteries; was wounded by a piece of shell but remained at his station until he fell from loss of blood. Legs since amputated.