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 Francesco Della Valle, 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. Serving as Surgeon General of the Italian Army, General Della Valle performed duties of the greatest responsibility with conspicuous merit. By his sympathetic knowledge of American needs he was of the greatest assistance in securing proper care for our sick and wounded in Italy.