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 Second Lieutenant (Air Service) John Harding, Jr., United States Army Air Service (Reserve), for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility. Lieutenant Harding, as Assistant Pilot of Airplane No. 4, the “New Orleans,” and Assistant Engineer Officer of the United States Army Air Service around-the-world flight from 6 April 1924 to 28 September 1924, displayed sound technical skill, a high spirit of cooperation, initiative, energy, and resourcefulness. His indefatigable energy, good judgment, and personal courage contributed largely to the success of this pioneer flight of airplanes around the world. In the performance of his arduous duties he aided in the accomplishment of an undertaking bringing great credit to himself and to the Military Establishment of the United States.