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 (Infantry) Ralph H. Van Deman, 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 Chief of the Military Intelligence Branch, General Staff, in organizing the Intelligence Service of the Army in the United States, to Colonel Van Deman’s ability, untiring zeal, and devotion to duty the building up of a very efficient Intelligence Service of the Army was largely due.