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 (Infantry) Louis Hermann Bash, 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 Bash supervised with tact and sound judgment the establishment of the important base ports of St. Nazaire and Brest, France. Later, while he was Adjutant General of the Services of Supply, his splendid knowledge of administration, his energy, and personal attention to duties were shown by the efficiency of his office, which met fully the diversified demands made upon it.