The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Ralph McTyeire Pennell (ASN: 0-2150), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of an Infantry Division in the Hawaiian Department during the period 15 March 1942 to 1 November 1942. By outstanding ability, leadership, and energy, General Pennell brought his Division to a high degree of training and readiness for combat conditions. He showed remarkable ability in the disposition of his troops and in the location of positions with his command. As representative of the Military Governor of the Island of Hawaii, he personally solved the problems concerned with the government of this island, which has a large alien and alien descendent population. By reason of his qualities as an officer, a very difficult situation was handled in a superior manner and military civilian relationships were greatly improved. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Pennell reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.