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 Alfredo Rota, 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. By his efficient performance of his exacting duties as Chief of the General Staff Department, Italian Army, Colonel Rota did much toward bringing about the victory which terminated our struggles against the common enemy. At all times he showed an ardent desire to give every consideration to the American forces serving in Italy, thereby furthering materially the effective cooperation of the Italian and American Armies.