The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Hiram J. Slifer, 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. Lieutenant Colonel Slifer was charged with active field operations and the construction and operation of the light railways of the 1st Army during the St. Mihiel and Argonne-Meuse offensives. His efforts were unceasing, and, due to his resourcefulness and exceptional executive ability, he was an important factor in the successful operations of the light railway, assuring for the troops of the 1st Army a steady flow of munitions and supplies.