John W. Lloyd

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Coxswain John W. Lloyd, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Wyalusing during an attempt to destroy the rebel ram Albemarle in Roanoke River, 25 May 1864. Coxswain Lloyd participated in this daring plan by swimming the Roanoke River heavily weighted with a line which was used for hauling torpedoes across. Thwarted by discovery just before the completion of the plan, Lloyd cut the torpedo guiding line to prevent detection of the plan by the enemy and again swam the river, narrowly escaping enemy musket fire and regaining the ship in safety.