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 Odoardo Marchetti, Italian Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, during World War I. Colonel Marchetti performed his highly important duties as Chief of the Intelligence Department of the Italian Army with conspicuous success, aiding thereby to a marked degree in the success of the operations against the common foe. Actuated by a constant desire to assist the American authorities with all the facilities of his office, he contributed materially to the harmonious relations existing between the Italian Army and the American forces in Italy.