The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Fireman First Class David Harrington, United States Navy, for gallant and heroic conduct while serving on board the U.S.S. Tallapoosa at the time of the sinking of that vessel, on the night of 21 August 1884. Remaining at his post of duty in the fireroom until the fires were put out by the rising waters, Fireman First Class Harrington opened the safety valves when the water was up to his waist.