The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Boatswain’s Mate First Class John H. Stephens, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service as member of the crew of the U.S.S. WILLIAM ROCKEFELLER, which was torpedoed and sunk on 18 May 1918, by an enemy submarine. Boatswain’s Mate First Class Stephens was commended for the highly satisfactory and exceptional manner in the performance of his duty until ordered by the commanding officer to abandon the ship.