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) Gordon Johnston, 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. Colonel Johnston showed great ability while Chief of Staff of the 82d Division, in the operations in the Argonne area. The force of his energy and his masterful leadership manifested itself in the crowning successes of the Division during the operations of this campaign.