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 (Coast Artillery Corps) Elmore F. Austin, 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. Colonel Austin served as assistant to, and at intervals as the Coast Defense Commander, Coast Defenses of Eastern New York, from August to December 1917; in Command of the 57th Regiment, Coast Artillery Corps (155 G.P.F.), from December 1917 until 16 October 1918, taking part in the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne offensives, and then in Command of Replacement Battalion, 1st Army Artillery, from 17 October to 17 November 1918. He displayed at all times sound judgment, great energy, and a thorough knowledge of his duties, all of which were manifested to the high degree of efficiency attained by his regiment in organization, training, and active operations.