The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Coxswain William Halford, United States Navy, for gallant and heroic conduct in line of his profession as Coxswain serving on the U.S.S. Saginaw. Coxswain Halford was sole survivor of the boat's crew sent to the Sandwich Islands for assistance after the wreck of the Saginaw, 1 October 1870. Promoted to Acting Gunner.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 169 (February 8, 1872)

Action Date: October 1, 1870

Service: Navy

Rank: Coxswain

Division: U.S.S. Saginaw