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 (Field Artillery) Robert R. McCormick, 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 Commander of the 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery, in the Ansauville sector and in the Cantigny sector, France, between 18 January and 28 May 1918, and as Lieutenant Colonel, 61st Field Artillery, 33d Division, 13 May to 29 July 1918, and Colonel, 61st Field Artillery, 30 July to 31 December 1918, Colonel McCormick displayed rare leadership and organizing ability, unusual executive ability, and sound technical judgment. By his ceaseless energy and his close supervision of training, discipline, and command in action against the enemy he contributed materially to the successful operations of the Artillery of the American Expeditionary Forces.