The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain of the Top James Horton, United States Navy, for gallant and heroic conduct while serving on board the U.S.S. Constitution, at sea, 13 February 1879. Captain of the Top Horton showed courageous conduct in going over the stern during a heavy gale and cutting the fastenings of the ship’s rudder chains.