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 Charles Gould Morton, 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. General Morton Commanded the 29th Division from the date of its organization until the end of hostilities, and led this division with skill and ability in the successful operations east and northeast of Verdun, which forced the enemy to maintain this front with strong forces, thus preventing an increase of hostile strength between the Argonne and the Meuse.