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 (Infantry) Madison Pearson, 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 Adjutant of the 2d Division, Assistant Adjutant General of the 1st Army, and later as Adjutant of the 3d Division, Lieutenant Colonel Pearson displayed administrative ability of an exceptionally high order. By his initiative, sound judgment, marked ability, and devotion to duty, Colonel Pearson rendered services of great value to the American Expeditionary Forces.