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 Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Henry Lee Shafer (ASN: 0-220-818), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services as Commanding Officer of the 136th Field Artillery Battalion, 37th Infantry Division, on New Georgia, Solomon Islands, from 2 July to 7 September 1943. When a strong force of Japanese broke through American lines and attacked a division command post, artillery fire of his battalion was adjusted in the darkness by sound alone and delivered with such speed, accuracy and effectiveness that the enemy was dispersed and many of them killed. He furnished artillery support for an infantry division advancing on Bairoko Harbor, moving his heavy howitzers through swamps and jungles and delivering accurate fire which aided materially in the early withdrawal of the enemy. Excellent manned in which Lieutenant Colonel Shafer’s battalion overcame formidable obstacles common to artillery employment in jungle warfare was a creditable reflection on Lieutenant Colonel Shafer’s ability and leadership. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Shafer and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.