Joseph B. Hayden

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Quartermaster Joseph B. Hayden, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. TICONDEROGA, as Quartermaster in charge of steering the ship into action, during attacks on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, 13 to 15 January 1865. Quartermaster Hayden steered the ship into position in the line of battle where she maintained a well-directed fire upon the batteries to the left of the palisades during the initial phases of the engagement. Although several of the enemy’s shots fell over and around the vessel, the TICONDEROGA fought her guns gallantly throughout three consecutive days of battle until the flag was planted on one of the strongest fortifications possessed by the rebels.