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 M. J. L. Dumesnil, a French Civilian, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, during World War I, as French Undersecretary of State for Aviation, President of the Interallied Aviation Committee. With persistent effort and determination Mr. Dumesnil supplied each American division going into the line with the same aviation equipment as was given to corresponding French units. He performed a task of tremendous magnitude with remarkable success, working at all times with great zeal for the American Expeditionary Forces.