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 First Lieutenant (Air Service) Leslie P. Arnold, United States Army Air Service, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility. Lieutenant Arnold as Assistant Pilot of Airplane No. 2, the “Chicago,” and Adjutant and Finance Officer of the U.S. Army Air Service around-the-world flight from 6 April 1924 to 28 September 1924, displayed rare organizing ability, initiative, and resourcefulness in carrying out these duties, in addition to the alternate piloting of Airplane No. 2 throughout the voyage. His technical skill, broad vision, business experience, high personal courage, and untiring energy contributed in a very decided manner to the successful accomplishment of this pioneer flight of airplanes around the world. In the splendid performance of these arduous and trying duties he conspicuously contributed in an accomplishment of the first magnitude of the military forces of the United States.