The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Corporal John Gideon Palmer, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 13 December 1862, while serving with Company F, 21st Connecticut Infantry, in action at Fredericksburg, Virginia. Corporal Palmer was the first of six men who volunteered to assist gunner of a battery upon which the enemy was concentrating its fire, and fought with the battery until the close of the engagement. His commanding officer felt he would never see this man alive again.

General Orders: Date of Issue: October 30, 1896

Action Date: December 13, 1862

Service: Army

Rank: Corporal

Company: Company F

Division: 21st Connecticut Infantry