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) Philip B. 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. Colonel Peyton took command of the 61st Infantry Regiment, 5th Division, which had undergone six days of shell fire and commanded it with such unusual skill as to enable the regiment to capture Aincreville, Bois-de-Bablemont, Doulcon, and, after crossing the Meuse, to capture Hill No. 292, Dun-sur-Meuse, Milly-devant-Dun, Lion-devant-Dun, Cote St. Germain, Chateau Charmois, and Mouzay, thereby displaying the highest order of leadership and exhibiting the masterful qualities of a commander.