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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Rear Admiral Leigh C. Palmer, Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

Chronological Copy.                         File No. <32/1/1>

Cablegram Received July <18, 1918.> 09419    ANI

Origin Opnav Washington.                    Ser. No. 8722

CS-2 19 July

Clear

Simsadus

8722 Army bill approved 9 July provides that any Officer or enlisted man of the military forces of the United States who has been or shall be tendered any medal or decoration by Government of any of nations concurrently engaged with United States in present war is authorized to accept and wear same.1 16118. 8722.

          Admiral Palmer.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. The handwritten date is confirmed by the time/date stamp at the end of the cable.

Footnote 1: Sims had been advocating for almost a year for this measure. For more on American personnel accepting foreign medals, see: Sims to Benson, 9 October and 15 October 1917, and Sims to Daniels 28 February 1918.

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