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 Rear Admiral William Shepherd Benson, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I, as Chief of Naval Operations. Rear Admiral Benson’s close cooperation and assistance in that position did much toward the successful outcome of the combined operation of the Army and Navy overseas.