The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Brigadier General Joe L. Loutzenheiser (ASN: 0-15646), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Chief of Operational Plans Division, Headquarters U.S. Army Air Forces, from December 1942 to June 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Loutzenheiser and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.