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Honoring American TroopsMedal of Honor Archive

Lieutenant · U.S. Navy

Adolphus Staton

Lieutenant Adolphus Staton, Navy, received the Medal of Honor for actions on April 22, 1914 in Vera Cruz, Mexico during the 1914 Veracruz expedition.

Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz) April 22, 1914

Lieutenant Adolphus Staton, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on April 22, 1914 in Vera Cruz, Mexico during the 1914 Veracruz expedition. Staton was 34 years old.

13 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on 1915. He later rose to the rank of Rear Admiral.

Staton was born on August 28, 1879 in Tarboro, Edgecombe County, North Carolina. His Medal of Honor is credited to North Carolina. Staton died on June 4, 1964, at the age of 84. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. His medal is held by Marshall Museum, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, VA.

Staton is one of 56 Medal of Honor recipients from the 1914 Veracruz expedition and one of 22 credited to North Carolina.

Official Medal of Honor citation

For distinguished conduct in battle, engagement of Vera Cruz, 22 April 1914; was eminent and conspicuous in command of his battalion. He exhibited courage and skill in leading his men through the action of the 22d and in the final occupation of the city.

Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.

Timeline

  1. August 28, 1879
    Born in Tarboro, Edgecombe County, North Carolina
  2. April 22, 1914
    Act of valor — Vera Cruz, Mexico
    Age 34.
  3. 1915
    Medal of Honor presented
  4. June 4, 1964
    Died
    Age 84.
  5. Resting place
    Arlington National Cemetery
    Arlington, Virginia

Also honored for actions on April 22, 1914

Edwin Alexander Anderson Captain · Navy Veracruz 1914 · 1914 Smedley Darlington Butler Major · Marine Corps Veracruz 1914 · 1914 Albertus Wright Catlin Major · Marine Corps Veracruz 1914 · 1914 Hugh Carroll Frazer Ensign · Navy Veracruz 1914 · 1914 JG John Grady Lieutenant · Navy Veracruz 1914 · 1914 Charles Conway Hartigan Lieutenant · Navy Veracruz 1914 · 1914 Jonas Howard Ingram Lieutenant, j.g. · Navy Veracruz 1914 · 1914 Rufus Zenas Johnston Jr. Lieutenant Commander · Navy Veracruz 1914 · 1914 Cary Devall Langhorne Surgeon · Navy Veracruz 1914 · 1914 James Patrick Lannon Lieutenant · Navy Veracruz 1914 · 1914 JM John McCloy Chief Boatswain · Navy Veracruz 1914 · 1914 Frederick Vallette McNair Jr. Lieutenant · Navy Veracruz 1914 · 1914

See all 14 recipients for April 22, 1914 →

Sources. Service and award details compiled from the recipient record of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. The narrative summary is generated from these records. Spotted an error? Send a correction.