The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross, in lieu of a previously issued Certificate of Merit and Distinguished Service Medal, to Sergeant Claude R. Vandervert, United States Army, for distinguished conduct while serving as a member of Company K, 7th Infantry Regiment, on 28 September 1914, at Vera Cruz, Mexico, in risking his life in rescuing a man who was in danger of drowning.