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 General Marcello De Luca, Italian 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 of a Division at the outbreak of the war, General De Luca gave excellent service; later, as Commander of an Infantry Brigade, he showed great initiative and marked tactical ability; and finally as Chief of Staff of the Army Corps of Genoa he rendered eminent distinguished service.