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 Colonel (Signal Corps) Henry Charles Whitehead, 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. During the period of organization of the American Expeditionary Forces, Colonel Whitehead rendered service of a superior order in the planning and the organization of the Air Service. As Chief of Staff, Air Service, he displayed sound judgment and great ability in solving the many problems with which he was confronted. Throughout the entire duration of the war his high professional attainments and untiring zeal have materially promoted the efficiency of the Air Service.