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 Wilds Preston Richardson, 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 General of the American Expeditionary Forces in North Russia, by his skillful handling of the many difficult situations which arose, General Richardson rendered a signal service to the United States Government.