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) Benjamin Scovill Kelsey, United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States with the Production Division, Headquarters, United States Army Air Forces, from 30 July 1940 to 24 May 1943. In the capacity of Project Office for the Production Division of the Army Air Forces, Colonel Kelsey coordinated the work of others in the development of an airplane which has achieved outstanding tactical success. He contributed more than any other individual to the advanced engineering development of the P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane and conducted many tests, frequently at the risk of his own life, to secure vital scientific and technical data. Without his untiring effort, courage, and faith, this aircraft would not have attained its present stage of military utility. Colonel Kelsey’s expeditious accomplishment of an extremely important assignment reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.