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 Artillery Paul Piketty, 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 Chief of the 3d Division of Artillery, by his able advice and assistance the vocation of the organization and training centers for the heavy artillery of the American Expeditionary Forces was decided upon and the equipment and organization of these training centers were accomplished. He displayed great personal interest in the solution of the details of his task, at all times exhibiting an energetic spirit in furthering the general plan and in securing grants from the Ministry of War. His services have been of a high order.