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 Paul Morel, a French civilian, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, during World War I. As French Assistant Secretary of the Board of Finance, charged with the liquidation of stocks, Mr. Morel ably discharged difficult and important tasks and rendered great service to the United States in the settlement of complicated claims and the liquidation of stocks involving millions of dollars.