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) John D. McNeely, 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 Deputy Director, Rents, Requisitions, and Claims Service, a position of great responsibility, in which he discharged important administrative functions with noteworthy ability and displayed good judgment and tact while attached to the British Claims Commission.