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 (Chemical Corps) Augustin M. Prentiss, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Officer in Charge of the Ordnance Section, Chemical Warfare Service, Major Prentiss displayed great energy, untiring devotion to duty, and high technical skill. Due to his thorough knowledge of ordnance supplies and material, especially shells and guns, he rendered invaluable assistance in the proper choice of gases, gas shells, and other materials used both by the gas troops and artillery throughout the war, thereby contributing materially to the successes of the American Expeditionary Forces.