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) John Albert Paegelow, 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 Commander of Balloon Service of the 1st Army Corps and 1st Army, Lieutenant Colonel Paegelow was well-fitted for his important position both by long experience in aeronautics and by noted organizational ability. Through his untiring energy an efficient system of supply and transportation was developed in spite of the numerous difficulties which assailed him. The success achieved by the Balloon Service in the second Battle of the Marne and in the St. Mihiel offensive are a tribute to the high character of services rendered by him to the American Expeditionary Forces.