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 Major General John Gellibrand, Royal British Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, during World War I. During the operations against the Hindenburg line near Ronssoy, in September 1918, General Gellibrand Commanded with brilliant leadership the 3d Australian Division, operating in close liaison with the 27th American Division. The fine spirit of comradeship prevailing between the officers and soldiers of these two divisions was in no small measure a reflection of the warm spirit of cooperation which he constantly manifested and his willingness to aid the American Expeditionary Forces in every way possible.