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) Willey Howell, 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 Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2, of the 1st Army, Colonel Howell organized and directed the operations of this section during the entire operations of the 1st Army. The results achieved by him during the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne operations had a noted influence on the successes gained by the 1st Army and showed him to be an officer of sound judgment and marked ability.