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 Reverend John J. Burke, a United States Civilian, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I, as Chairman of the Committee on Special War Activities of the National Catholic War Council and as Chairman of the Committee of Six, dealing with the subject of chaplains.