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 of Artillery Leon H. A. Bellot, French Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, during World War I. As a Member of the Geographic Service of the Army, Lieutenant Colonel Bellot, by his sound practical advice and good judgment, proved of the utmost assistance to the American Expeditionary Forces. Due largely to his personal efforts, the closest cooperation existed between his army and our town Topographic Service. Just prior to the Meuse-Argonne he personally arranged for the Geographic Service to extend and enlarge its facilities, so as to assist the 1st American Army in every way possible. His services were of inestimable value.