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 (Ordnance Corps) Earl D. Church, 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 Ordnance Officer of the 80th Division, not only were ordnance and ammunition supplied at all times to members of that division, but also to thousands of men in other divisions at various times when their own supply failed. Lieutenant Colonel Church’s organization of the ordnance supply system, as Division Ordnance Officer, showed the results of exhaustive study and of determined and intelligent efforts to overcome adverse conditions. Later, as Chief Ordnance Officer of the 9th Army Corps, he displayed high qualities of zeal, loyalty, and efficiency.