By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Lieutenant (Medical Corps) Robert J. Lawler, United States Naval Reserve, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Lieutenant Lawler distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Officer attached to the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the St. Mihiel Offensive, France, 12 – 17 September 1918, in supervising the evacuation of the wounded under heavy enemy fire.

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Lieutenant (MC) Robert J. Lawler, United States Naval Reserve, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Lieutenant Lawler distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Officer attached to the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces. In the operations at St. Mihiel and east of Rheims, France, he displayed zeal and devotion to duty of the highest order. At great personal risk he repeatedly visited all battalion aid stations, supervising and assisting in the evacuation of the wounded; maintained the necessary supply service and kept the regimental commander fully informed of the situation pertaining to the sanitary service. His duties were exceptionally well performed and with absolute disregard of personal safety. On 4 October 1918, at Blanc Mont, France, one officer and several men having been struck by shell fragments, Lieutenant Lawler immediately left the dugout under severe shell fire and personally directed the carrying of the wounded to a place of safety.

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Lieutenant (Medical Corps) Robert J. Lawler, United States Naval Reserve, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Lieutenant Lawler distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Officer attached to the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Blanc Mont Ridge, France, 4 October 1918, in administering first aid and assisting in carrying the wounded to a place of shelter under fire.