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 (Infantry) John McAuley Palmer, 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 the organization of the Operations Section of the General Staff, American Expeditionary Forces, Colonel Palmer displayed sound tactical judgment and breadth of vision, and the ultimate success of the American plan of campaign was largely due to his detailed plans. As Commander of the 58th Infantry Brigade, 29th Division, during the severe fighting north of Verdun, in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, his services were conspicuous and his brigade successful.