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 (Field Artillery) John Nesmith Greely, 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 a member of the Operations Section of the General Staff, 1st Division, and later as Chief of that section, Colonel Greely showed sound judgment in the tactical operations before Cantigny, Soissons, and St. Mihiel. As Chief of Staff of the 1st Division, he was a material factor in the success of the operations against the enemy in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, where he demonstrated ability of a high order.