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 (Cavalry) Joseph R. McAndrews, 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 Senior Officer in the small group of the Operations Division, General Staff, designated as the Section in charge of priorities of equipment and shipment, Colonel McAndrews was charged with the handling of the whole matter of preparing units for movement to the ports for overseas service, and is now engaged in the reverse process of moving returning units from the port to camps for demobilization, all of which has been marked by conspicuous ability and meritorious service to the Government.