The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Captain Douglas Eugene Dismukes, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. MOUNT VERNON upon the occasion of the torpedoing of that vessel on 9 September 1918. By his prompt and efficient conduct and as a result of the excellent discipline existing among the officers and the crew, the ship was safely brought into port.