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 William Bryden, 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 Director of the Department of Field Gunnery, School of Fire for Field Artillery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, From September 1917 to May 1918, and as Assistant Commandant of that school from May 1918 to October 1918, General Bryden displayed organizing ability and other professional attainments of a high order in developing and conducting a sound course of instruction in the principles of field gunnery.