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 (Field Artillery) Richard P. Heppner (ASN: 0-229224), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility from December 1944 to October 1945. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Heppner reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.