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 Staff Sergeant Joseph L. Lockard, United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services in a position of great responsibility. Staff Sergeant Lockard was the operator in charge of the detector unit operated by his organization on the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, on the morning of 7 December 1941. In order that instruction in the operation of aircraft warning equipment might be given to another soldier under training, he, in devotion to duty, remained at his station upon completion of the scheduled operating period. At approximately 7:02 a.m., a signal was detected on his instruments which, in the opinion of Staff Sergeant Lockard, signified a large number of airplanes in flight approximately one hundred and thirty-two miles distant, azimuth three degrees. At that moment Staff Sergeant Lockard was placed in a position of great and grave responsibility to his country. After rechecking the distance and azimuth, Staff Sergeant Lockard promptly contacted the duty officer of the information center and furnished him with complete particulars of the readings. Subsequent investigations have proven conclusively that the airplanes reported Staff Sergeant Lockard were the large Japanese Air Force which attacked the Island of Oahu at approximately 7:55 a.m. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Staff Sergeant Lockard and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.