The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant James S. Trayer, United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Sonoma in assisting icebound vessels in the winter of 1917-18; in constant and efficient attendance on the mine-laying squadron; and for valuable and seamanlike assistance under very difficult circumstances, in connection with the loss of the British ship Huntscliff.