Established early in the Civil War to "promote efficiency in the Navy", the Medal of Honor rose to prominence in American history and heritage. Fewer than 3,500 Americans have been awarded Medals of Honor, and today only 81 of them survive. These heroes are a vanishing breed whose valiant history MUST be preserved for future generations. That heritage is nurtured and sustained on the ground floor of the Hall of Heroes.
The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor to
OVIATT, MILES M.
Rank and Organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 1841, Cattaraugus County, N.Y. Accredited To: New York. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864.
Citation:
On board the U.S.S. Brooklyn during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite severe damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked the deck, Cpl. Oviatt fought his gun with skill and courage throughout the furious 2-hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee.