John H. Ferrell

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Mr. John H. Ferrell, a United States Civilian, for extraordinary heroism in action on board the U.S. Monitor NEOSHO during the engagement with enemy batteries at Bells Mills, Cumberland River, near Nashville, Tennessee, 6 December 1864. Carrying out his duties courageously during the engagement, Civilian Pilot John Ferrell gallantly left the pilothouse after the flag and signal staffs of that vessel had been shot away and, taking the flag which was drooping over the wheelhouse, make it fast to the stump of the highest mast remaining although the ship was still under a heavy fire from the enemy.