The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel William E. Sherman, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Staff Judge Advocate and Staff Judge Advocate, Sacramento Air Logistics Center, McClelland Air Force Base, California, from 28 June 1984 to 17 July 1989. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Sherman were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the Air Force. His foresight, initiative, and skill proved to be the critical, decisive factors in solving many of the Center’s environmental problems. His superb handling of 34 theft and misuse of government property cases involving military and civilian personnel assigned to Air Force units with highly classified missions representing three major commands, ensured accountability for their actions while providing maximum protection to the nation’s security. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Sherman reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel William E. Sherman, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Staff Judge Advocate, Headquarters, THIRTEENTH Air Force, Clark Air Base, Republic of the Philippines, from 23 July 1989 to 21 May 1991. Throughout this period, Colonel Sherman superbly led the Air Force’s largest and busiest combined general court-martial/base-level legal office, improving service to over 11,000 clients a year. Those services included over 20,000 office visits, 40,000 notaries, same-day preparation of 7,500 wills, and the processing and paying of claims totaling more than 800,000 dollars. Colonel Sherman’s combined efforts with Philippine legal officials led to significant improvements in Clark’s community relations. He augmented the Philippine American Cooperation Talks as a key member of Mister Armitage’s negotiation team on the Status of Forces Agreement Technical Panel and as legal advisor to the Defense Cooperation Panel. He was responsible for integrating Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and the Air Force’s legal system, and did so with noteworthy efficiency. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Sherman and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.