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 Oliver Patton Echols (ASN: 0-4713), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Chief of Materiel Division, Office Chief of Air Corps, from 2 December 1940 to 9 March 1942. General Echols conceived with sound judgment and prevision the vast expansion program required to furnish the Army Air Forces with necessary materiel to meet its growing needs. He demonstrated marked aggressiveness, exceptional organizing ability, excellent supervision, experimentation, and research, as well as the development of military aircraft, equipment, and supplies necessary for the fulfillment of the mission of the Army Air Forces. The exceptional manner in which he organized production and procurement of equipment and supplies was responsible for the outstanding results achieved in the Army Air Forces’ expansion program and is being demonstrated in actual combat on many fronts. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Echols and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.