The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Medical Corps) William S. Middleton (ASN: 0-449557), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility from July 1942 to May 1945. (This award supersedes the awards of the Legion of Merit, for service from July 1942 to May 1944, and the Legioni of Merit (first Oak Laf Cluster) for service from 15 May 1944 to 16 May 1945, to Colonel Middleton, as published in General Orders No. 155, Headquarters United States Forces, European Theater, 16 July 1945, and General Orders 230, Headquarters United States Forces, European Theater, 2 September 1945, respectively.