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 Mr. Richard Chichester du Pont, a United States Civilian, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility from 20 April to 11 September 1943. In the capacity of Special Assistant on the Army Air Forces glider program, Mr. du Pont displayed exceptional professional ability and inspiring leadership in planning and supervising the effective utilization of military gliders and related equipment. Under his skillful direction full exploitation of the large glider for airborne operations was rapidly attained. He effected important changes in training technique which constituted practical application of current combat requirements personally observed in the Sicilian campaign. Charged with over-all supervision of research in the field of un-powered flight he maintained close coordination with civilian contractors in their efforts to improve glider equipment. While participating in an experimental flight of a new type of glider of radical design Mr. du Pont was killed at March Field, California, on 11 September 1943. His extensive background of glider flight experimentation coupled with his intelligent appraisal of the immediate requirements of the glider program of the Army Air Forces contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of a mission of the greatest importance to the war effort of the United States Government.