The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Commander Percy Wright Foote, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PRESIDENT LINCOLN, upon the occasion of the sinking of that vessel by an enemy submarine on 31 May 1918. The conduct and bearing of Commander Foote under the trying conditions of the disaster and his handling of the situation were in accord with the best traditions of the Naval Service.