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 (Signal Corps) John E. Hemphill, 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. By his marked efficiency, loyal devotion to duty, and military attainments, colonel Hemphill rendered valuable services in duties of great responsibility from 25 August 1917 to 24 February 1919. As Division Signal Officer, 82d Division, and Officer in Charge of the advance party making arrangements for the billeting, supply, and training of his division in its assigned area in France, and for its participation in the St. Mihiel offensive, as Corps Signal Officer, 7th Army Corps, Signal Officer, Advance Section, Services of Supply, and later of Base Section No. 9, Antwerp, Belgium, and finally as Chief Signal Officer, 3d Army, with the Army of Occupation in Germany, he performed all of his duties with marked ability.