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) Cortlandt Parker, 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 Parker organized and conducted the training camp for Field Artillery at Camp Coetquidan and later, at the Office of the Chief of Artillery, American Expeditionary Forces. By his superior professional attainments, his zeal, and keen foresight, he contributed in a marked manner to the successful conduct of Field Artillery training. As Regimental Commander of the 6th Field Artillery, 1st Division, in the Cantigny sector and in the Aisne-Marne offensive, he repeatedly displayed superior tactical judgment and knowledge of artillery, and by his exceptional ability, leadership, and devotion to duty he rendered the maximum support to the Infantry of the 1st Division in effectively executing the most difficult missions assigned to him, thus rendering in a position of great responsibility most important services to the American Expeditionary Forces.