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 Lieutenant Colonel (Quartermaster Corps) Berkeley Thorne Merchant, 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. While on duty in the Remount Service, Lieutenant Colonel Merchant performed his tasks efficiently. Later, appointed Chief Veterinarian of the American Expeditionary Forces, he administered, with marked success, the veterinary service, providing for effective means of evacuation of sick and wounded animals from the front and in placing the personnel of the Veterinary Corps on an efficiently functioning basis.