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) Richard K. Cravens, 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. Both as Adjutant and as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1, of the Headquarters Army Artillery, 1st Army, American Expeditionary Forces, Colonel Cravens exhibited military attainments and ability of a high order. By his clear conception of his function, his untiring energy, and in his proper exercise of initiative, he contributed in a large measure to the successful employment of the Army Artillery of the 1st Army during the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne offensives.