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 (Field Artillery Joe Reese Brabson, 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 28th Division during the Marne-Aisne offensive, Lieutenant Colonel Brabson rendered conspicuous service. Later as an Instructor of the Fourth Course at the Army General Staff College at Langres he ably assisted in the instruction of a large number of officers recommended for General Staff duty. Upon completion of his duty at the staff school he served with marked success as G-5 of the Second Army.