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) John Jennings Kingman, 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 Staff of the 90th Division, Colonel Kingman displayed exceptional ability, planning important operations with sound judgment and wide comprehension of the conditions to be encountered. He was unflagging inn energy and tireless in devotion to his exacting duties. Constantly confronted by perplexing military problems, he handled them with aggression and achieved brilliant successes.