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) Jacob M. Coward, 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 a member of the American Section of the Supreme War Council, by his high professional qualifications and sound military judgment, Colonel Coward rendered invaluable aid in solving the many complex problems that came before the Supreme War Council.