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 (Ordnance Corps) Edward Marsh Shinkle, 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 charge of the Ammunition Section of the Gun Division, Ordnance Department, Colonel Shinkle was responsible for the design, development, and placing of orders and contracts for all ammunition and projectiles supplied to the American Army. Later, in charge of Ammunition Section, Engineering Division, in the Office of the Chief of Ordnance, his technical skill, executive ability, and sound judgment were highly important factors in the successful operations of the Ordnance Department during the World War.