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 Preston Brown, 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 2d Division, General Brown directed the details of the battles near Chateau-Thierry, Soissons, and at the St. Mihiel salient with great credit. Later, in command of the 3d Division in the Argonne-Meuse offensive, at a most critical time, by his splendid judgment and energetic action, his division was able to carry to a successful conclusion the operations at Claire-Chene and at Hill 294.