The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Seaman Edward W. Hathaway, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Sciota prior to the battle Vicksburg, Mississippi, on 28 June 1862. Struck by a bullet which severed his left arm above the elbow, Seaman Hathaway displayed exceptional courage as his ship sustained numerous damaging hits from stem to stern while proceeding down the river to fight the battle of Vicksburg.