Adolphus Staton

Led his naval battalion through fierce fighting at Veracruz.

Adolphus Staton was a United States Navy officer whose service earned both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. Born on 28 August 1879 in Tarboro, North Carolina, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1902. Early assignments included USS Chicago and USS Cleveland. Commissioned as an ensign in 1904, he later served aboard USS Connecticut and USS Yorktown and undertook recruiting duty in Los Angeles.

By April 1914, Staton was a lieutenant serving in USS South Carolina. During the American intervention at Veracruz, Mexico, he commanded a naval battalion ashore. His leadership in the fighting on 22 April and the occupation of the city brought the Medal of Honor.

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 22nd and in the final occupation of the city.

Staton's later career combined seagoing service with legal and staff work. During the First World War he served as executive officer of the transport USS Mount Vernon. He received the Navy Cross for distinguished service when the ship was torpedoed in September 1918, with the crew's discipline and readiness credited in part to his leadership.

He earned a law degree from George Washington University and completed studies at the Naval War College and Army War College. His interwar assignments included command of ships and destroyer squadrons, work in naval intelligence, and command of USS Nevada. He retired in June 1937 and was promoted to rear admiral on the retired list. Recalled in December 1941, he served in the Office of the Under Secretary of the Navy, administering legislation concerning merchant-ship radio operators. He returned to inactive status in June 1943.

Staton died in Chevy Chase, Maryland, on 4 June 1964 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His decorations record two distinct tests of naval leadership: commanding men ashore at Veracruz and maintaining a transport's efficiency during a wartime emergency at sea.