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 Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Francis C. Harrington, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a duty of great responsibility. As Chief Engineer and later as Administrator of the Works Progress Administration and Commissioner of Work Projects, Colonel Harrington was charged with the planning and administration of the greatest peacetime effort ever undertaken by any bureau or department of the Government. During this period he displayed extraordinary qualities of leadership and unusual talents for administration. As advisor to the President and the Congress his professional counsel was marked by great vigor and vision leading to measures both executive and legislative which contributed directly to the well being of millions and indirectly to the benefit of the entire Nation.