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 M. J. Degoutte, 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. While Commanding the group of the Armies of Flanders, General Degoutte rendered invaluable service to the American Expeditionary Forces and to the cause in which the United States has been engaged.