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 (Field Artillery) Alfred Lawrence Pearson Sands, 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. Serving in turn as Battalion and Regimental Commander, Colonel Sands rendered exceptionally efficient services, and at all times was conspicuous for his courage, leadership, and high military attainments. As Commanding Officer of the 7th Field Artillery, 1st Division, and a group of attached French Artillery at Cantigny, in May 1918, and later at Soissons in July 1918, he displayed unusual ability, and by his high professional attainments and great tactical skill supported the Infantry, to which he was attached, so effectively that he aided materially in the successful operations of that brigade in those important engagements. Later, by his tireless energy, great resourcefulness and efficiency, he organized and trained, in a highly satisfactory manner, the 67th Field Artillery.