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 (Field Artillery) Ernest Darius Scott, 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 Scott Commanded the American and allied light artillery in the Toul sector prior to and after its occupation by the 1st Division, and was largely responsible for the instruction and training of the 66th Field Artillery Brigade and of brigades of Coast Artillery in their training areas. As Heavy Artillery Commander, 1st Army Corps, in the Champagne-Marne and the Aisne-Marne operations, and as Brigade and Grouping Commander of the 66th Field Artillery Brigade and numerous French units in the operations of the 5th Army Corps in the St. Mihiel offensive, and in the operations of the Army artillery in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, he performed his duties with great efficiency and distinction.