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 (Corps of Engineers) Virgil L. Peterson, 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. As Commanding Officer, Engineer Officers’ Training Camp at Camp Lee, Virginia, from April to August 1918; and Director of Training at Camp Humphreys, Virginia, until October 1918, Colonel Peterson displayed marked foresight, rare ability, and sound judgment in the reorganization of the standardization of the instruction for engineer troops. By his organizing and training ability, indefatigable efforts, and high military attainments he successfully directed the training of 4,500 engineer officers and 20,000 enlisted men, thereby rendering services of great value to our Government in positions of great responsibility.