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 Brigadier General Harry Taylor, 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. Arriving in France on 11 June 1917, as Chief Engineer, American Expeditionary Forces, General Taylor organized and administered the Engineer Department, which included the construction of wharves, depots, railways, barracks, and shelters throughout the theater of operations. He continued these duties with most marked and conspicuous ability, building a complete and efficiently functioning institution.