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 Brigadier General William Cannon Rivers, 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 Commander of the 76th Field Artillery, 3d Division, Colonel Rivers was a material factor in stemming the tide of the enemy’s advance during the second Battle of the Marne. Subsequently, upon being promoted to the grade of Brigadier General, he displayed marked leadership and high military attainments in command of the 5th Field Artillery Brigade, 5th Division, in the Meuse-Argonne offensive.