Percy Clyde Statton, VC, MM (21 October 1890 – 5 December 1959) was an Australian farmer, soldier, and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces.

Serving as a sergeant during the First World War, Statton was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1918 following his assault on four German machine guns.

Giving his age as twenty-one, Statton married Elsie May Pearce in a Methodist ceremony on 12 September 1907; the couple later had a son and two daughters.

[2] Despite his wife's disapproval,[2] Statton enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 29 February 1916,[3] and was allotted to the newly raised 40th Battalion as a private.

[5] Over a three-day period during the engagement at Messines from 7–9 June, Statton was placed in charge of supervising and leading carrying parties to the front line.

Throughout this work, he was subject to heavy German artillery and machine gun fire, and on several occasions the party was decimated by shellfire.

Returning to duty, he was attached to the Overseas Training Brigade at Longbridge Deverill prior to re-embarking on 1 May for France, where he rejoined the 40th Battalion.

[8] Initially admitted to the 10th Australian Field Ambulance, he was transferred to the 40th Casualty Clearing Station six days later, before returning to the 40th Battalion on 24 June.

[3] Between 10–12 August 1918, the 3rd Australian Division—of which the 40th Battalion was part—was ordered to attack from an easterly direction against the southern bank of the Somme River, and advance along the road past Proyart.

[8] With assistance from a Lewis Gun team under Statton's command, the battalion's A Company managed to reach the centre of Proyart village an hour later.

[8] Gathering Corporal Upchurch and Privates Leslie Styles and Beard,[11] Statton worked his way along under the cover of the Chuignes road embankment.

Reaching within 75 metres (82 yd) of the machine gunners and armed with only a revolver, Statton led the three men as they rushed across the open ground towards the German strongpoint.

[11][12] With Private Beard, Statton began to crawl back to his own lines, while the inspired 37th Battalion continued its advance and cheered the pair as they went past.

[11] The full citation for Statton's Victoria Cross appeared in a supplement to the London Gazette later that day, reading:[13] War Office, 27th September 1918.

For most conspicuous bravery and initiative in action when in command of a platoon which reached its objective, the remainder of the battalion being held up by heavy machine-gun fire.

Station set a magnificent example of quick decision, and the success of the attacking troops was largely due to his determined gallantry.From 20 October 1918, Statton was granted ten days' leave to Paris.

[2] In 1934, severe bushfires broke out in the Derwent Valley, and Statton took a prominent role in rescue work aiding families isolated by the fire.

[2][8] In 1956, Statton joined the Australian contingent of Victoria Cross recipients who attended the parade in London's Hyde Park to commemorate the centenary of the institution of the award.