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 Major General Jesse McIlvaine Carter, 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 the Militia Bureau, General Carter conceived and directed the organization of the United States Guards and utilized these and other forces most effectively in the important work of safeguarding the utilities and industries of the Nation essential to the prosecution of the war.