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 (Transportation Corps) Charles E. Speaks, 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. Lieutenant Colonel Speaks organized and operated with marked success the Division for the Procurement of Motor Transport Supplies in the office of the Director, Motor Transport Corps, American Expeditionary Forces, and by his intelligent application, wide experience, sound judgment, and devotion to duty successfully surmounted great difficulties in providing adequate motor transportation for the American Expeditionary Forces.