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 Brigadier General Alfred A. Starbird, 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, in connection with the planning, organization, and administration of the post and subposts of Brest, Base Section No. 5, thereby contributing in a very great measure to the successful operation of this base during the return of the American Expeditionary Forces.