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 Brigadier General Alfred W. Bjornstad, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Director of the Army General Staff College at Langres, General Bjornstad organized and conducted the institution during the first and second courses. Although he was without adequate material or personnel, by the energy and great efforts he put forth he established a school which provided our armies with staff officers in a minimum of time.