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 Elwood R. Quesada (ASN: 0-16731/50A), 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 Commanding General of the NINTH Command and the NINTH Tactical Air Command in the European Theater of Operations during the period from 1 February 1944 to 31 July 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Quesada and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.