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 (Quartermaster Corps) Charles B. Eckels, 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 assistant to the chief quartermaster, American Expeditionary Forces, from 23 July 1917 to 31 January 1919. During this period Lieutenant Colonel Eckels served as Chief of the Finance Division of the Chief Quartermaster’s Office and successfully handled the numerous complex financial questions arising in the American Expeditionary Forces in France, England, and Italy. He also performed the duty of Chief Disbursing Officer for the American Expeditionary Forces in procuring and transferring funds for disbursement by the finance officers of the several services, until the establishment of the Financial Requisition Officer. The success with which these offices of great responsibility functioned was due largely to his exceptional ability, devotion to duty, and conspicuous services.