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 Ernest J. Blondlat, French Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, during World War I. As Commanding General of the 2d Colonial Army Corps, French Army, it was under his command that the 2d Colonial Army Corps performed such glorious deeds as part of the 1st American Army during the St. Mihiel offensive.