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 Brigadier General George Columbus Barnhardt, 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 Commander of the 28th Infantry, General Barnhardt handled his regiment so brilliantly under severe conditions during the St. Mihiel offensive, 12 and 13 September 1818, and during the battle of the Meuse-Argonne from 1 to 11 October 1918, that the regiment demonstrated an unusually high degree of efficiency and morale. He repeatedly displayed superior tactical judgment, and by his exceptional ability, leadership, and devotion to duty, he effectively executed the most difficult missions assigned to his regiment. Later, in command of the 2d Infantry Brigade and then the 178th Infantry Brigade, he again displayed high efficiency and military attainments, thereby rendering with all his commands important services to the American Expeditionary Forces.