 In November 1917 , Cluverius became responsible for the conversion of the steamer SS Massachusetts to a minelayer . The ship was commissioned on 7 December 1917 , and renamed USS Shawmut on 7 January 1918 . She steamed to Britain in June 1918 and spent the rest of World War I laying the anti @-@ submarine mine barrage across the North Sea . Shawmut laid 2 @,@ 970 anchored mines before returning to the United States In December 1918 , . He was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal " , for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding Officer of the USS Shawmut , engaged in laying mines in the North Sea " . He also became an Officer of the French Legion of Honor , and Officer of the Belgian Order of Leopold and a Commander of the Norwegian Order of St. Olav . 
