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 Private Elmer H. Cossar, United States Army, for distinguished gallantry while serving as a member of Company C, 27th Infantry Regiment, in the assault on Fort Bacalod, Lake Lanao, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 8 April 1903.