The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Colonel (Infantry) Joseph B. Westnedge, 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. With signal ability Colonel Westnedge Commanded the 126th Infantry, 32d Division, from date of its organization to its final engagement during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, inspiring the members of his command by his personal courage and indefatigable zeal; he kept his regiment efficiently organized at all times as demonstrated by the successful results obtained in its operations against the enemy. During his service at the front he contracted a disease which subsequently proved fatal.