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 Mr. Edwin B. Parker, a United States Civilian, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Priority Commissioner of the War Industries Board, Mr. Parker formulated and directed policies for the fullest development of war industries with marked ability and foresight. Later and subsequent to the armistice he, as Chairman of the United States Liquidation Commission, War Department, undertook the immense task of liquidating the mass of intricate transactions incurred between the War Department and the allied Governments during the war, and also the disposal of all surplus war stocks and property of the War Department in Europe. As directing head of this commission and by his patience, industry, and diplomacy he brought this immense task to a successful conclusion in less than one year, to the very great credit of the War Department and the United States and the continued and warm friendship of the nations involved.