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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Edward McLeer, Jr., 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. With untiring energy and unremitting devotion to duty Lieutenant Colonel McLeer supervised the instruction and training and commanded in action against the enemy the machine-gun organizations of the 27th Division. During the operations of the division against the Hindenburg line, 25 to 30 September 1918, and in the Le Selle River campaign 15 to 20 October 1918, in direct command of 14 machine-gun companies he displayed outstanding leadership, sound tactical judgment and indomitable determination and courage, these qualities being reflected in the morale and high efficiency of the machine-gun organizations of this division. He rendered extremely valuable and important services to the Government in a position of great responsibility.