The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Infantry) Donald Mark Sando, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in positions of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from 1 May 1998 to 30 April 2008. Colonel Sando distinguished himself through exceptionally meritorious service while serving in various positions of increasing responsibility, culminating as Director, Infantry Futures, United States Army Infantry Center, Fort Benning, Georgia. His outstanding leadership, relentless pursuit of excellence, and vision significantly contributed to the Infantry Center’s accomplishments in experimentation, requirements determination, and user representation for the Army’s brigade combat teams. Colonel Sando was responsible for a diverse organization of military, civilians, contractors, and the operations of the Directorate of Combat Developments, Soldier Battle Lab, Infantry Futures Group, and three Training and Doctrine Command capability managers. His exemplary service and outstanding contributions as an Infantry battalion commander, Infantry Center Deputy Chief of Staff, Training and Doctrine Command Systems Manager for Stryker Bradley, and Director Infantry Futures, will have a lasting positive impact, for years to come. Colonel Sando’s outstanding accomplishments are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Infantry Center, and the United States Army.