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) Jay Leland Benedict, 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. In the organization and administration of the Procurement and Discharge Section of the Personnel Branch, Colonel Benedict’s energy, intelligent application, and good judgment have contributed greatly to the solution of the many difficult personnel problems pertaining to the procurement and discharge of officers, and the building up of the Officers’ Reserve Corps.