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 F. Sharp, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility in the Philippine Islands from 1 September 1941 to 17 March 1942. Assigned to command the Visayan-Mindanao force, Major General Sharp supervised the mobilization and training of elements of the Philippine Army in the Visayan group and on Mindanao. Under his general supervision a comprehensive system of airfields capable of accommodating all types of aircraft was prepared. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Sharp reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.