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) Edward Bowditch, Jr., 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. At the Army General Staff College, as Assistant to G-3, Headquarters, 1st Army Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Bowditch rendered service of distinction, always showing himself able in time of emergency, aggressive in action, and possessed of tact and sound judgment. As aid-de-camp to the Commander in Chief, American Expeditionary Forces, he displayed unflagging energy and devotion to duties of great importance. His military attainments were of marked character proving of utmost assistance in the handling of difficult situations.