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 Major General Mason Mathews Patrick, 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. Major General Patrick displayed much ability and devotion to duty as Director of Construction and Forestry, and later as Chief of the Air Service of the American Expeditionary Forces, he perfected and ably administered the organization of this important Department.