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 Major (Infantry) Mariano B. Southwick, 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 Commanding Officer, 122d Machine-Gun Battalion, 33d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, from 26 September to 20 October 1918, Major Southwick rendered meritorious services of a high order. By his great efficiency, energy, ability, and resourcefulness, often under heavy enemy shell and machine-gun fire, he rendered valuable services to the American Expeditionary Forces.