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 (Infantry) Robert P. McCleave, 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 G-3 of the 1st Army from 25 July to 15 October 1918, during the Chateau-Thierry, St. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne operations, Colonel McCleave displayed marked ability. Later, in the midst of operations, he was appointed Chief of Staff of the 3d Division. In gaining immediate and complete control of a difficult situation and in coordinating the work of the new staff, he showed conspicuous ability, and by his inspiring example of energy and zeal, he was largely responsible for the successes achieved by the ed Division at Claire-Chenes Wood and the Bois-de-Foret.