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 (Air Service) Thomas DeWitt Milling, United States Army Air Service, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. First, as Chief of Staff and later as Commander, Colonel Milling organized and conducted the operations of the Air Service of the 1st Army during the entire operations of that Army. By untiring, painstaking, and energetic efforts he succeeded in raising the efficiency of his command and insuring the proper cooperation with the land units. He exhibited professional attainments of the highest order and exercised a marked influence on the success of the 1st Army. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Milling and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.