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 Jean F. M. H. De L’Espee, 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. In Command of the 5th Region, General De L’Espee performed his important duties with marked success. At all times he manifested the utmost consideration for American interests in the territory under his jurisdiction. By his generous action in placing at our disposal many French barracks and cantonments in the Department of Loire-et Cher and at other places, he rendered services of highest value to the American Expeditionary Forces.