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 Major General Merritte Weber Ireland, 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. As Chief Surgeon of the American Expeditionary Forces, General Ireland supervised and perfected the organization of the Medical Department in France, and to his excellent judgment, untiring efforts, and high professional attainments are largely due the splendid efficiency with which the sick and wounded of the American Army have been cared for.