This record of the personnel who have shed lustu upon the service by upholding the honor of the flag in storm and battle, by their devotion to the caunuy and to each other, and by their unselfishnes in risking their own lives to save others is especially commended to the rising generation of American seamen, that they may emulate the deeds of their heroic predecemon, and maintain that high standard of gallantry which has always cacterized the personnel of the United State naval service . Extract from the act to promote the emcieney of the navy And to be further enacted, That the Secretary of the Navy be, and as hereby, authorized to cause two hundred medals of honor to be prepared with suitable emblematic devices which shall be bestowed upon such petty oacens, seamen, landsmen, and marines as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in, action and other seaman like qualities during the present war. Approved December 21. 1861. Extract from the act to establish and equalize the grade of line officers of the United States Navy.....