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 Mr. Lawrence H. Shearman, a United States Civilian, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Civilian Member of the 1st Section of the General Staff, American Expeditionary Forces, Mr. Shearman placed his mature experience and his extensive technical and business knowledge of the shipping industry at the disposal of the American Expeditionary Forces during a period of several months when tonnage and shipping problems were of the most vital importance. His clear vision, sound advice, and unfailing energy and loyalty were of the greatest value to his country and to the Allied cause.