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) Richard Rembert Pickering, 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. As Commanding Officer of the large Embarkation Camp at Camp Mills, Long Island, New York, from 5 April 1918 to 13 September 1918, and from 11 December 1918 to 8 May 1919, Lieutenant Colonel Pickering displayed executive ability of the highest order in a position of great responsibility. His work marked Colonel Pickering as an exceptional officer in his capacity as organizer and administrator, and by his energy and excellent judgment contributed in a notable degree to the success of troop movements at the Port of Embarkation, Hoboken, New Jersey.