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) Joseph Dugald Leitch, 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. As Chief of Staff of the American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia, Colonel Leitch gave proof of his great breadth of vision, keen foresight, sound judgment, and tact. By his brilliant professional attainments, coupled with great diplomacy, he handled most ably the many delicate situations with which he was confronted. His fine soldierly qualities were at all times outstanding, and by his masterful grasp of the situation he was able to meet successfully each new and difficult problem with which he was faced. He rendered most conspicuous services of inestimable value to the Government in a place of great responsibility and at a time of gravest importance.