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 (Signal Corps) Henry M. Byllesby, 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 General Purchasing Agent for the American Expeditionary Forces at Base Section No. 3, in Great Britain, from May to December 1918, Lieutenant Colonel Byllesby displayed great energy, a comprehensive knowledge of large business affairs, and executive ability of the highest order. By his broad experience, foresight, and splendid ability to cooperate with representatives of our allies, he solved many difficult problems of fuel supply with conspicuous success and in a manner which insured at critical times a plentiful supply of coal, both for our transport service and our troops in France, thereby rendering services of great value to the American Expeditionary Forces.