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 Emile F. Cornellie, Belgian 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 Commander of the Belgian Naval Base in Antwerp, Belgium, Colonel Cornellie has rendered conspicuous service to the United Sates. His great energy and sound judgment has been an important factor in the success of the operations of American Base Section No. 9, at Antwerp.