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 (Corps of Engineers) Frederick W. Schkidenhelm, 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. On being ordered to France, Colonel Schkidenhelm was assigned to the staff of the Chief Engineer, American Expeditionary Forces, and for several months he was engaged in water supply studies connected with proposed operations of the American Army. On 21 September 1918, he was assigned to the 26th Engineers, which he Commanded until assigned to the 1st Army during the Meuse-Argonne operations, where he was made Water Supply Officer for that Army and was charged with the complete responsibility for Army water supply and for all reconnaissances, design, construction, and supply, in addition to commanding all troops assigned thereto. He displayed a keen insight into the complexities of the problems presented, a marked willingness to assume responsibility, and force of character in securing results, rendering valuable services to the American Expeditionary Forces.