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 George P. Hawkins, United States Army, for gallant conduct while serving as a member of Troop K, 14th Cavalry Regiment, on 29 January 1910, in rescuing at the risk of his own life an officer from drowning in the Quinqua River, Luzon, Philippine Islands.