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 Sergeant George W. Wilkins, United States Army, for distinguished gallantry while serving as a member of Company G, 39th Infantry Regiment, U.S. Volunteers, in action at San Cristobal River, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 1 January 1900.