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) Benson W. Hough, 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 Regimental Commander in the military operations of the 42d Division in the Baccarat Sector, from 24 March to 21 June 1918; the Second Battle of the Marne, in which the 42d Division participated in the defense of the line east of Chalons, 28 June to 21 July 1918, and in the offensive against Reims, Chateau-Thierry, Soissons salient, 24 July to 3 August 1918.