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 Alphonse E. E. E. X. J. Lacombe de la Tour, 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. As Commander of the 5th French Cavalry Division in its operations with the 1st American Corps, General Lacombe de la Tour handled his division with ability. Zealous in his effort to effectively use his force, he was severely wounded while making a reconnaissance of the terrain between Four de Paris and Varennes.