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 (Ordnance Corps) Earl McFarland, 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, first in charge of the design, development, and production of all machine guns, automatic rifles, and accessories thereto for the Army of the United States, for service in organizing the industries of the country to meet the unprecedented demands for automatic arms created after the entrance of the United States into the World War, and later as Special Assistant to the Chief of Ordnance in charge of all matters pertaining to small arms, automatic arms, and equipment.