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 Lieutenant Colonel (General Staff Corps) Harry Surgisson Grier, 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 Chief of the Legal Department, Office of the Officer in Charge of Civil Affairs, Army of Occupation in Germany; Post Commandant and Officer in Charge of Civil Affairs in the city of Trier and later of all of the Bezirk of Trier lying within the American zone of occupation, and Officer in Charge of Civil Affairs, City of Coblenz, also as Chief of the Department of Schools and Charitable Institutions, in all of which duties Colonel Grier displayed excellent judgment in dealing with civil officials and the civil population, and by his tact, firmness, and fairness contributed to the success of the American occupation of German territory.