The Army Distinguished Service Medal Designed by Captain Aymar Embury, the designer of the Distinguished Service Cross, this medal was confirmed by an Act of Congress dated July 9, 1918. It was awarded to persons who distinguished themselves by "exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a duty of great responsibility" after April 6, 1917, in a combat or noncombat role. The first awards of this medal for service in World War I were to the commanders of the Allied armies. At the direction of the President of the United States, the medal was conferred upon Marshals Foch and Joffre and General Petain of France, Field Marshal Haig of Great Britain, General Diaz of Italy, and General Gillian of Belgium. It was also awarded to US General John J. Pershing "as a token of gratitude of the American people to the commander of our armies in the field for his distinguished service."