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 First Sergeant Robert W. Elder, United States Army, for exceptional courage and daring while serving as a member of Troop L, 14th Cavalry Regiment, in action at Cotto Pangpang, Philippine Islands, on 14 February 1904.