While negotiations were going on at Inchon, on June 1, 1871, two of the U.S. vessels, the Palos and USS Monocacy, were tasked to reconnoiter the waters of the Han River estuary.

Joseon forces stationed on the island had orders to fire at foreign vessels that appeared to be readying to enter the Han, and so at the approach of the two American ships into controlled waters, the USS Palos was engaged by one of the forts; the Palos and USS Monocacy returned fire and silenced it (the Bombardment of the Selee River Forts).

On June 11, the main engagement occurred, the five warships began bombarding the four remaining forts while the shore party attacked from land.

The Koreans, running low on ammunition, began throwing rocks and slinging their swords, fatally injuring Lieutenant Hugh McKee, who was stabbed by a spear as he led the charge.

Under heavy fire, Carpenter Cyrus Hayden planted the American flag on top of the Korean fort, an act which earned him the medal as well.

Private James Dougherty personally shot and killed the Korean commander General Eo Jae-yeon; he and six others were also awarded the Medal of Honor.