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 Major General James Parker, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility. General Parker served with great distinction as Commander of the Southern Department, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, 31 March 1917 to 25 August 1917; and as Division Commander, 33d Division, from 25 August to 11 December 1917, Division Commander, 85th Division 11 December 1917 to 20 February 1918, when having reached the statutory age he was retired from active service. In these positions of great responsibility he displayed rare and outstanding leadership, the organizations under command at all times showing the results of sound training, a high state of morale, and discipline. His unusual professional attainments, sound judgment, and devotion to duty were material and important factors in the development of organizations of the American Army, and contributed in a signal way to their successful operations in action against the enemy.