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. Welch, 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. From his rich experience in scientific medicine, sanitation, public health, and medical education Colonel Welch helped materially in guiding the medical profession both in and out of the Army safely through the many difficulties of war.