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 Charles W. Morton, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action, serving as Boatswain’s Mate on board the U.S.S. Benton during the Yazoo River Expedition, Mississippi, 23 to 27 December 1863. Taking part in the hour-and-a-half engagement with the enemy at Drumgould’s Bluff, 27 December, Boatswain’s Mate Morton served courageously throughout the battle against the hostile forces, who had the dead range of the vessel and were punishing her with heavy fire, until the Benton was ordered to withdraw.