The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Brigadier General James Brailsford Erwin, 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. With sound technical skill, initiative, and untiring energy, General Erwin assisted in the organization and training of the 6th Division, and commanded with distinction the 12th Infantry Brigade during its operations in the Vosges sector, and during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, 1 to 11 November 1918. His rare quality of leadership and unremitting devotion to duty were material factors in the successful operations of his division, contributing markedly to the accomplishments of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe.