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 (Corps of Engineers) John C. Gotwals, 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 Chief Searchlight Officer, American Expeditionary Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Gotwals rendered conspicuous service in a position of great responsibility and in a field which was practically new to our service. By his unlimited energy, marked inventive faculties, and high technical skill, together with his ever-present willingness to cooperate with our allies, he organized and directed with great success an exceedingly advanced technical service for the night protection of troops concentrations, communications, supply and manufacture establishments, in rear areas, thereby contributing materially to the success of the American Expeditionary Forces.