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 John F. O’Ryan, 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. As Commander of the 27th Division in its successful operations with the British in France in the Autumn of 1918, General O’Ryan displayed qualities of skill and aggressiveness which mark him as a leader of ability. In the breach of the Hindenburg Line between St. Quentin and Cambrai the name of his division is linked with the British in adding new laurels to the allied forces in France.