The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Stanley Cook Norton, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Destroyer Division FIFTY-FOUR, when the flagship of his division, the Destroyer U.S.S. ROPER (DD-147), made a successful attack upon the German submarine U-85 off the coast of Virginia on the night of 13 – 14 April 1942, causing complete destruction of that enemy vessel without injury to his flagship or its personnel. Commander Norton’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of this successful mission and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.