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 (Air Service) Arthur M. Woods, 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 Inspector of Schools, Signal Corps, and then as Chief of Personnel, Division of Military Aeronautics, Air Service, by his executive ability, clear conception, and broad mental grasp, Colonel Woods handled with conspicuous success many perplexing problems in the organization and administration of the system for assigning personnel. From November 1918 until January 1919, as Assistant Director of Military Aeronautics, in the solution of many new and intricate problems concerning demobilization and reorganization his work was characterized by sound judgment and untiring zeal. Later, as Special Assistant to the Secretary of War in matters pertaining to securing employment for discharged soldiers he rendered valuable service in placing great numbers of these men in lucrative positions.