Adolphus Staton

Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

Medal of Honor Recipient

Occupation of Veracruz

Rear Admiral Adolphus Staton (28 August 1879 - 4 June 1964) was a U.S. Navy officer who received the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during the Occupation of Veracruz. He was awarded the Navy Cross in World War I for actions when his ship was torpedoed; he also served in World War II.

Adolphus Staton was born on 28 August 1879 in Tarboro, NC. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1902.

He worked in Naval Intelligence and attended the Naval War College and Army War College in addition to earning a law degree from George Washington University Law School.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy

Place and date: Veracruz, Mexico, 22 April 1914

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.

He retired from the Navy in 1947.

Death and Burial

Rear Admiral Adolphus Staton died on 4 June 1964 in Chevy Chase, MD. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, in Section 4, Lot 280-A.