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 Rear Admiral M. G. Grout, French Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, during World War I. Admiral Grout rendered services of marked distinction and value to the American Expeditionary Forces in lending his assistance during the formative period of American Base Section No. 5. Going far beyond the bounds of duty, he placed at the disposal of that base all of the facilities at his command.