The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Vernon John Crossen (MCSN: 99876), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Eighteenth Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Landres-et-St. Georges, France, November 1 – 4, 1918. While Sergeant Crossen was forming an attack a shell hit in the midst of his platoon. Disregarding the heavy counter-barrage, he reorganized his command and led them in attack, continuing for three days, when he was killed.