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 Frederic M. M. Coffec, 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 Director of Artillery, Ministry of War, during the formative period of our Artillery, General Coffec has given most valuable service to our Artillery personnel in the solution of the difficult problems of organization and training. He placed at our disposal the means of instruction and training for our Artillery. Through his efforts the Samumur Artillery School was opened to us, the instruction camps at Coetquidan Meucon Souge, and Valdahon, France, were prepared as centers of training, and the facilities of the Tractor Artillery School at Vincennes were opened to us. The services he has rendered to the American Expeditionary Forces have been of great value.