The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Vernon J. Crossen (MCSN: 99876), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 18th Company, 5th 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.