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 General Edouard A. L. Buat, 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 Chief of Staff to Marshal Petain, General Buat rendered invaluable service to the American Expeditionary Forces and to the cause in which the United States has been engaged.