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 Brigadier General Laverne George Saunders, United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility. Brigadier General Saunders has displayed marked efficiency in the exercise of his command of the 11th Bombardment Group during a period of continuous and intensive employment since July 31, 1942. He has at all times exercised good judgment and marked spirit of cooperation while performing his duties under operational control of the Navy. Under his leadership, in the conduct of ground activities and on numerous air missions, the group has inflicted great damage to defensive Japanese naval, ground, and air forces as well as to important installations in the Solomon Islands. Such damage has included the probably destruction of one aircraft carrier with 20 hits and 17 near misses being made on enemy surface vessels. Out of a total of 240 air contacts, his group has destroyed 60 enemy airplanes and damaged 33 others. Throughout the period, while directing the operations of the 11th Bombardment Group, General Saunders carried the additional responsibilities of air base commander, including extremely difficult problems in logistics, administration, airdrome improvement, and security. The leadership and ability of General Saunders under trying conditions and in the face of the enemy have been of outstanding character. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Saunders and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.