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 Emile E. Legrand, 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 Command of the 15th French Region at the time of the creation of Marseille as an American base port, General Legrand gave most valuable assistance and advice to the American military authorities, rendering possible the rapid organization and development of the American base. His able cooperation assisted greatly in putting the port on an efficient basis capable of supplying the needs of the troops at the front.