The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Fireman First Class Patrick Fitzgerald, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service at the time of the torpedoing of the U.S.S. MOUNT VERNON, on 5 September 1918. Fireman First Class Fitzgerald, through his great presence of mind and in the risk of his own life, succeeded in saving the life of another man who was unconscious in a darkened compartment on board the U.S.S. MOUNT VERNON.