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 Mark L. Ireland, 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 of the Repair Division, Office of the Director, Motor Transport Corps, American Expeditionary Forces, Colonel Ireland displayed sound judgment, executive ability of a high order, and unremitting devotion to duty, thus contributing markedly to the successful operations of the Motor Transport Corps of the American Expeditionary Forces.