 The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Coxswain Joseph White, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S.New Ironsides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13,14, and 15 January 1865.The ship steamed in and took the lead in the ironclad division close inshore and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well-directed fire to cause several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first two days of fighting.