The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Coxswain William P. Brownell, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action, serving as Coxswain on board the U.S.S. Benton during the attack on Great Gulf Bay, Mississippi, 2 May 1863, and Vicksburg, Mississippi, 22 May 1863. Carrying out his duties with coolness and courage, Coxswain Brownell served gallantly against the enemy as Captain of a 9-inch gun in the attacks on Great Gulf and Vicksburg and as a member of the Battery Benton before Vicksburg.