The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gunner’s Mate Second Class Paul Thomas Duffy, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services and for the splendid manner in which he conducted himself and performed his duties; and also for the efficiency, courage, and zeal he displayed in aiding in saving the U.S.S. MOUNT VERNON when that ship was torpedoed in the Atlantic Ocean on 5 September 1918.