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 Major General William Lassiter, 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 Commander of the 51st Field Artillery Brigade, as Chief of Artillery of the Artillery of the 1st and 4th Army Corps in turn, and as Chief of Artillery, 2d Army, General Lassiter showed himself to be a leader of conspicuous ability. His energy and sound judgment influenced greatly the successful operations of his commands on the Vesle, at the St. Mihiel salient, and in the Toul sector. He later commanded with skill and marked success the 32d Infantry Division.