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 (Field Artillery) Maxwell Murray, 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 Commander of the 5th Field Artillery, 1st Division, Colonel Murray handled the regiment so brilliantly under severe conditions during the assault and capture of Cantigny, 28 May 1918, and during the Aisne-Marne offensive in the assault southeast of Soissons, 18 – 25 July 1918, that the regiment demonstrated an unusually high degree of efficiency and morale. He repeatedly displayed superior tactical judgment and knowledge of artillery and by his exceptional ability, leadership, and devotion to duty, he rendered the maximum of support to the Infantry of the 1st Division in effectively executing the most difficult missions assigned to him, thus rendering important services to the American Expeditionary Forces.