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 (Air Service) Melville Withington Thompson, United States Army Air Service, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Governor of the War Credits Board, Lieutenant Colonel Thompson was untiring in his efforts, and his good judgment in solving the many complex questions confronting the Board added materially to the proper discharge of its many responsibilities.