The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Quartermaster Daniel Dickerson Stevens, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Canonicus during attacks on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, on 13 January 1865. As the Canonicus moved into position at 700 yards from shore, the enemy troops soon obtained her range and opened with heavy artillery fire, subjecting her to several hits and near misses until late in the afternoon when the heavier ships coming into line drove them into their bombproofs. Twice during the battle, in which his ship sustained 36 hits, the flag was shot away and gallantly replaced by Quartermaster Stevens.