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 Lieutenant Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Howard Sharp Bennion, 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. As Chief Camouflage Officer, American Expeditionary Forces, from October 1917 until February 1919, in a position of responsibility Lieutenant Colonel Bennion rendered conspicuous service in an entirely new field of endeavor. By his tireless energy, sound judgment, and marked technical ability he organized and placed the work of the Camouflage Section on a practical and highly efficient bases and directed it functions in a most satisfactory manner, thereby contributing materially to the success of the American Expeditionary Forces.