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 (Air Service) Edgar S. Gorrell, 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. Colonel Gorrell rendered most excellent service as a member of the United States Aeronautical Commission charged with the selection of types of European aeronautical material to be manufactured in the United States and as Representative of the Air Service with the General Staff, American Expeditionary Forces. In the performance of his many important tasks he displayed good judgment, great energy, and showed that he possessed ability of a high order, which have been of invaluable service to the Government.