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 Brigadier General William L. H. Burgess, Royal British Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, during World War I. General Burgess Commanded with distinction the 4th Australian Artillery Division while it was in support of the 27th American Division during the operations near St. Souplet, east of the La Selle River. His consummate skill as an artillerist and forceful determination in keeping his batteries well to the front were most potent factors in the successes achieved. The services which he rendered to the American Expeditionary Forces were of inestimable value.