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 to Colonel (Medical Corps) James S. Wilson, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Chief Surgeon of the American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia, Colonel Wilson organized, supervised, and perfected the organization of the Medical Department in Siberia so as to meet successfully the complex sanitary conditions confronting the American troops. To his excellent judgment, untiring efforts, and high professional attainments is largely due the splendid efficiency which characterized the work of the Medical Department under his control. He handled in a masterful manner the organization of available sanitary forces to combat a threatened typhus epidemic in eastern Siberia. He rendered conspicuous service of signal worth to the Government in a position of great responsibility.