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 Colonel (Air Corps) Merian C. Cooper (ASN: 0-163054), 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 Staff for the FIFTH Air Force Bomber Command in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from May 1943 to October 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Cooper and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.