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 Romain P. J. J. Vernay, 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 Military Intendant in the Bureau of the Assistant Secretary of the Board of Finances, Liquidation of Stocks, Mr. Vernay ably discharged a difficult and important task and rendered great service to the United States in the settlement of complicated claims and the liquidation of stocks involving millions of dollars.