The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Mark Warren Starkweather, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as commander of a demolition party attached to the Fleet Tug U.S.S. CHEROKEE (AT-66), during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco from 8 to 11 November 1942. Assigned the extremely dangerous task of cutting through an enemy obstruction in order that the U.S.S. DALLAS could navigate up the Sebou River in order to land raiders near a strategic airport, Lieutenant Starkweather and his crew, on the night of 9 November, proceeded with grim determination toward their objective. Despite the treacherous surf, he and his shipmates skillfully and courageously accomplished their hazardous mission of cutting the cables at the mouth of the river, as guns from the French fort opened fire. Countering the enemy’s attack, Lieutenant Starkweather dauntlessly started back and, in spite of enormous breakers which battered his boat, brought her and her courageous crew back to safety. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.