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 Robert Wells Harper (ASN: 0-15719/53A), 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 Assistant Chief and subsequently as Chief of Air Staff for Operations, Headquarters, Army Air Forces, Washington, D. C.; and as Designated Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Training at Army Air Forces Headquarters, from 2 July 1942 to 20 September 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Harper and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.