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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Joseph Alexander Atkins, 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. Lieutenant Colonel Atkins served with the 3d Division as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, from December 1917 until March 1918; Acting Chief of Staff and G-3, from March 1918 to 27 May 1918, G-3 from 28 May to 11 June, and from 1 to 19 September 1918; and as G-3, 36th Division from September 1918 to March 1919. By his tireless energy, devotion to duty and high military attainment, he contributed in a large measure to the successes attained by the commands with which he served.