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 Lieutenant Colonel (Air Service) James Franklin McFadden, United States Army Air Service, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Officer in Charge of the Leave Bureau at Headquarters, Services of Supply, Tours, France, from 14 December 1918 until June 1919, by his energy, loyal devotion to duty, unusual executive and administrative ability, Lieutenant Colonel McFadden was largely responsible for the successful organization and most efficient functioning of that highly important Bureau which provided transportation, quarters, subsistence, recreation, and amusement, for over 400,000 men on leave from the front in 19 different leave areas in southern France. In a position of great responsibility he rendered conspicuous services to the American Expeditionary Forces.