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 in lieu of the Certificate of Merit previously issued to Blacksmith Elwood Donley, United States Army, for distinguished service as a member of Troop D, 3d Cavalry Regiment, during a fire at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, on 12 August 1892. Blacksmith Donley made very possible exertion at the risk of his life, in the highest place on the roof of the burning troop stables for more than an hour, and thus greatly assisted in saving the building from destruction.