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 Controller of the First Class Jean V. H. Peria, 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 Controller of the Administration of the Army and Chief of the Franco-American Service of the Direction of Control, he rendered very valuable service to the American Expeditionary Forces in connection with the organization of the American Rents, Requisitions, and Claims Service. He aided us materially in the matter of negotiations for the installation of American projects throughout France, proving tactful, energetic, and whole-heartedly devoted to the interests of the Allied cause.