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 of Engineers Jean M. G. Clavel, 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. Through his wide experience and eminent technical ability, Colonel Clavel was of the utmost assistance in connection with the establishment of Base Section No. 2 at Bordeaux. Not only did he conduct the negotiations for placing at our disposal the indispensable Bassens dock, but he made possible the enlargement of our port facilities by the construction of railroad terminals. In numerous other ways he furnished us material aid by his sound advice and whole-hearted spirit of cooperation, rendering services of a high character to the American Expeditionary Forces.