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 (Signal Corps) Louis B. Bender, 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 Bender served in the Office of the Chief Signal Officer, American Expeditionary Forces, as Assistant Director of Supplies from July 1918 until December 1918, and Director of Supplies from December 1918 until September 1919. By his sound judgment, unfailing energy, and unusual ability he rendered serviced of the greatest value in both capacities. He met the many military commercial problems which confronted him with a broad vision and solved them with unvarying judgment and skill, thereby contributing materially to the success of the American Expeditionary Forces in positions of great responsibility.