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 Harold Francis Loomis (ASN: 0-3702), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, as Chairman of the Joint Rearmament Committee, from 11 October 1943 to 4 October 1944, in North Africa. General Loomis was charged with the coordination of all rearmament matters with the French authorities, the Lend-Lease Administration, and other agencies concerned with the rearmament of the French Air, Navy, and Ground Forces. He was further responsible for furnishing advisory and instructive services for the operation, instruction in the use and maintenance of United States equipment, and, finally, to advise and make recommendations to the theater commander in rearmament matters. His successful solution of the unusual administrative problems involved in controlling equipment and supplies furnished under the rearmament program was a major contribution to the successful participation of the French Forces in the allied war effort. By untiring efforts and great diplomacy, he earned the respect and admiration of all his associates, and contributed in a large degree to the furtherance of friendly relations between the Allied Forces.