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 (Corps of Engineers) Lewis Hayes Watkins, 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 Assistant Chief of Staff, G-5, 1st Army, Colonel Watkins performed exacting duties with marked energy and ability, achieving valuable results. Notwithstanding his many duties, he arranged to aid G-3, 1st Army, in the preparation of plans for important operations. By his especial ability, military attainments, and painstaking devotion to the tasks assigned to him he contributed in a marked degree to the successes achieved by our troops.