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 Colonel (Signal Corps) Charles DeF. Chandler, United States Army Air Service, 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 Balloon Section, Air Service, American Expeditionary Forces, from November 1917 to February 1919, Colonel Chandler rendered notable service in the supply, administration, and operation of the balloon units that so thoroughly demonstrated their efficiency during all the major operations of the American Expeditionary Forces.