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 (Corps of Engineers) Earl Grady Paules, 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 a member of the American Military Commission of Italy from April to July 1918, Colonel Paules displayed tact and diplomacy in making a preliminary investigation of the Czechoslovak situation. Later, as Commanding Officer of the 7th Engineers, he participated creditably in the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne offensives, materially aiding in the operations of the 5th Division by his skill in constructing bridges across the Meuse River in the face of desperate hostile resistance.