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 Mr. Max Thelen, a United States Civilian, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Chief of the Purchase Branch of the Purchase, Storage, and Traffic Division, Mr. Thelen was responsible for the initiation of the purchase policy and the supervision of all contracts. His constructive ability and exceptional foresight are responsible for the results attained in the settlement of war contracts.