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 (Infantry) Ephraim Geoffrey Peyton, 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 the Commanding Officer of the 320th Infantry Regiment, 80th Division, in all its operations, by careful and painstaking preparations and skillful leadership, Colonel Peyton enabled his regiment to carry always in its tasks through to a successful end. At all times he displayed a high order of leadership and exhibited superb qualities as a commander.