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) William F. Hase, 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 Senior Assistant to the Chief of Coast Artillery in the preparation and execution of plans for the effective accomplishment of the duties assigned to the Coast Artillery Corps in the operations in France.