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 Rear Admiral Alexander Seaman Halstead, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I, while in Command of the United States Naval Forces at Brest, France. By his superior administration, sound judgment and splendid cooperation, Rear Admiral Halstead contributed materially to the success achieved by the Army at the port of Brest in the return to the United States of the American Expeditionary Forces.