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 Commander in Chief King Albert, King of Belgium, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States during World War I. To this distinguished soldier, Commander in Chief of the Belgian Army, this medal is presented as an expression of the high regard of the people of the United States and of their Army for distinguished and patriotic service which he has rendered to the common cause on the battle fields of Europe.