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 First Lieutenant Lillian J. Ryan, United States Army Nurse Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Chief Nurse of the Base Hospital at Camp Merritt, New Jersey, during the World War, First Lieutenant Ryan rendered signal service. By the display of excellent judgment, energy, and example under unusual difficulties she so directed her staff as to enable it to meet in an efficient manner all the demands made upon it, thus making a large contribution to the saving of lives. By her great organizational ability and untiring efforts she played an important part in the successful aftercare of thousands of tuberculosis soldiers during the demobilization period.