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 Major General Harry Clay Hale, 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. While in Command of the 84th Division during its organization and training in the United States and after the armistice in Command of the 29th Division in France, by his ceaseless energy and closest personal supervision of the training, discipline, and supply of his commands, General Hale displayed rare qualities of leadership, organization, tact, and judgment. His brilliant professional attainments, his steadfast devotion to duty, and his loyalty to superiors were reflected in the high standards maintained throughout the divisions under his command, and he thus rendered important services to the American Expeditionary Forces and contributed conspicuously to the success of the operations.