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 Surgeon Principal, 2d Class Edouard C. Laval, 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 a member of the 4th Bureau of French General Headquarters, Surgeon Principal, Second Class, Laval was closely associated with front-line medical tasks in the American Expeditionary Forces, and by his cooperation aided us in procuring hospital facilities. He displayed good judgment, broad experience, and unfailing courtesy, rendering service of inestimable value in the proper care of the sick and wounded.