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) Edward G. Heckel, 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 Heckel served with the 125th Infantry, 32d Division, as Lieutenant Colonel from the organization until September 1918, and as Colonel from then until June 1919, displaying at all times military attainments of a high order. By his initiative, force, marked ability, and untiring devotion to duty he contributed materially to the successes of his division in four major operations against the enemy, thereby rendering services of inestimable value to the American Expeditionary Forces.