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 (Infantry) George C. Rickards, 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 112th Infantry, 28th Division, Colonel Rickards proved himself a forceful and capable military leader. Maintaining at all times a high degree of efficiency in his regiment through his personal magnetism, heroism, zeal and energy, he contributed materially to the successes achieved by the 28th Division in its operations against the enemy, rendering services of distinction to the American Expeditionary Forces.