The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Field Artillery) Ernest Joseph Dawley (ASN: 0-2843), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Vierzy, France, 21 July 1918, in reconnoitering battery positions under heavy shell and machine gun fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Dawley, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.