The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Adolphus C. Staton, United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. MOUNT VERNON when that vessel was torpedoed on 5 September 1918. The discipline manifested by the officers and crew of the MOUNT VERNON was excellent, and it is considered that the high state of efficiency found to prevail under the trying conditions of the torpedoing and subsequently was largely due to the energy and zeal of this officer.