Adolphus Staton

Adolphus was born on the 28th of August 1879, in Tarboro, North Carolina, and not much is known about his early life. It is known that he attended the US Naval Academy and graduated with the class of 1902. After his two required years of sea duty, he was commissioned as an Ensign and by the time he deployed to Mexico, he was a Lieutenant, and it was his actions there that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

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.

Adolphus received the Medal of Honor on the 4th of December 1915, and he married Edith Blair in 1917. Edith’s great grandfather was Francis Blair who moved into the house that sits across from the White House at 1651 Pennsylvania Avenue. Edith is credited to being one of the last of the family to be born in that house before it was purchased by the government to use as the President’s guest house for diplomatic guests. I could only find record of Adolphus and Edith having one daughter.

Adolphus served during World War 1, receiving the Navy Cross for actions while on board the USS Mount Vernon when it had been torpedoed on the 5th of September 1918. He was also active during World War 2 and retired from the Navy in 1947 after 45 years of service at the rank of Rear Admiral. Adolphus Staton died on the 4th of June 1964, at the age of 84 and he and his wife are buried in Arlington National Cemetery: Section 4, Lot 280-A.