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) William H. Moncrief, 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. In organizing and Commanding the Hospital Center at Mesves, Colonel Moncrief took possession of the center in its unfinished condition and by great force and ability prepared a hospital group for the care of sick and wounded at a time when the need of hospital beds was critical.