The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gunner’s Mate Third Class Charles Marienius Nielson, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service and for the splendid manner in which he conducted himself and performed his duties and for the courage and zeal displayed in aiding and saving the U.S.S. MOUNT VERNON when she was torpedoed in the Atlantic Ocean on 5 September 1918.