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 (Ordnance Corps) Mervyn A. Rice, 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 Corps Ordnance Officer of the 2d Army Corps from February to October 1918, Lieutenant Colonel Rice displayed exceptional ability in the organization and administration of the system used in equipping with ordnance the American troops serving on the British front. Later, his great tact and business ability assisted to a marked degree in the satisfactory settlement of important claims arising out of this service.