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. Stokes, United States Army, for marked courage and intelligence while serving as a member of Company I, 21st Infantry Regiment, in saving a comrade from drowning at Lake Lanao, Philippine Islands, on 12 December 1909.