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 (Corps of Engineers) Edward Neele Johnston, 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. From September 1917 to May 1918, as Commanding Officer, 23d Highway Engineer Regiment, Colonel Johnston displayed rare qualities of leadership in the organization and training of the regiment, which later performed excellent services throughout the war. As Assistant to the Chief of Chemical Warfare Service in France from June until December 1918, in charge of the offensive division, he showed ability of the highest order in the general supervision of operations of all gas troops. From December 1918, until June 1919, as Acting Chief of Chemical Warfare Service abroad, his keen business ability and sound judgment were important factors in the successful closing out of all chemical warfare activities in the American Expeditionary Forces.