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 of Air Service Victor R. Menard, 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. From the inception of the American Air Service, Major Menard was its constant and reliable advisor, and rendered most important services in its training and development. He personally supervised the instruction of the first American pursuit squadrons. During the St. Mihiel attack the organization which he commanded was placed at our disposition, and in his personal direction of his group during the battle he showed military ability of a high order, rendering most distinguished service.