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 Percy M. Whitney, United States Army, for distinguished service while serving as a member of Troop E, 6th Cavalry Regiment, in unhesitatingly plunging into the Palico River, Philippine Islands, on 2 September 1901, and at the risk of his own life attempting to rescue from drowning Sergeant John W. Harris, of said troop.