In recognition of his outstanding service to the public and the automobile industry, through years devoted to the study, development and coordination of the thousands of roads forming our highway system; For his part in establishing the Highway Research Board in 1919 and his able direction of the Federal Aid Road Building Program and Federal road numbering system, beginning in that year as Chief of the Bureau of Public Roads and, since 1939, as Commissioner until his recent retirement, after 43 years on highway problems; For his work in cooperation with the American Association of State Highway Officials in establishing standards of design and administrative procedure.

For his work with the War Department in planning highways to best serve military needs and defense plants and his part in building the strategic 1523-mile Alaska Highway. He has been awarded the Medal of Merit, America’s highest civilian honor, and has had honors from France, Norway and Czechoslovakia.