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 Colonel of Air Service Leon A. Girod, 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 his capacity as Chief of Training of the French Aviation Schools, Colonel Girod opened those schools to our cadets at a time when our air program was seriously retarded by lack of trained pilots. He took a personal interest in the training of our pilots, and it is due, in a large measure, to his attention that we did not incur further delay in placing our squadrons at the front. His high military attainments enabled him to render us a very valuable service, which was enhanced by the spirit of friendship and cooperation he at all times manifested.