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 (Field Artillery) William H. Rucker, 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 Commander of the 107th Field Artillery, 28th Division, and of a French artillery regiment during the operations of the 32d Division on the Vesle River, Lieutenant Colonel Rucker displayed consummate skill as an artillerist and showed notable qualities of leadership. Subsequently he commanded the 16th Field Artillery, 4th Division, and acted as Group Commander of French and American artillery units, where he furnished effective support to the Infantry, during the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne operations.