The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Alexander McCarrell Patch, Jr. (ASN: 0-3589), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, during the period from 15 March to 15 September 1944.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Alexander McCarrell Patch, Jr. (ASN: 0-3589), United States Army, was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commanding General, Guadalcanal area, during operations against Japanese land, naval and air forces from 10 December 1942 to 9 February 1943. General Patch employed the units under his command with such coordination, energy, and determination that the Japanese land forces remaining on Guadalcanal were destroyed and Japanese naval and air forces supporting their ground positions suffered severe losses. Under his direction, the final phases of elimination of enemy resistance on the island of Guadalcanal were successfully accomplished.