The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Corps of Engineers) John Stephen Sewell, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. In Command of a Regiment of Engineers, and later as Commander of the Base Port at St. Nazaire, Colonel Sewell displayed high engineering skill and long practical experience in the management of men. His genius together with his great energy and devotion to duty, contributed largely to the successful development and efficient operation of that base.