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 (Medical Corps) Robert H. Pierson, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. Colonel Pierson served as Division Surgeon of the 5th Division from its organization until the close of hostilities, when he became Chief Surgeon of the 6th Army Corps. Due to his sound judgment and efficient direction of medical personnel, gas casualties in his division were reduced to a minimum. By his resourceful methods in combating disease he prevented the firing lines from being depleted at a critical time, maintaining a high standard of combat strength efficiency.