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 of Artillery Alphonse A. Maitre, 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 Chief of the Artillery Section, French Mission, during the entire period of American activities, Colonel Maitre gave himself wholly to the varied details of the organization, training, and equipment of the American Artillery. His services were of inestimable value to the American Expeditionary Forces.