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 (Transportation corps) John O’Neill, 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. From November 1917 until November 1919, at Base Section No. 5, Brest, France, while serving in succession as Chief of Stevedores, Assistant General Superintendent in Charge of the Operations and Troops and Cargo Divisions, and finally as Superintendent of that port, by virtue of his marked ability, indomitable energy, and his capacity for inspiring his men, Lieutenant Colonel O’Neill overcame all difficulties and met every demand made upon his force. His remarkable achievements in the quick turn-around of large vessels carrying troops and supplies were of inestimable value to the American Expeditionary Forces.