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 (Field Artillery Willard B. Luther, 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-3, and Brigade Adjutant, 51st Field Artillery Brigade, during the occupancy of the Boucq sector, the Aisne-Marne, and St. Mihiel offensives, and as Assistant to the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, Headquarters, 1st Army Artillery, during the Meuse-Argonne operations, Lieutenant Colonel Luther displayed outstanding executive ability, leadership, and technical skill of high order, these qualities couple with unremitting devotion to duty contributing in a material way to the successful operations of the organizations with which he served.