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 Brigadier General Colden L’Hommedieu Ruggles, 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. The conception and construction of the Aberdeen Proving Ground and its operation during the early and most difficult period of its history are a monument to General Ruggles’ sagacity and unremitting labor.