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 M. Kennedy, 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 Port Surgeon, Port of Embarkation, Hoboken, New Jersey, Colonel Kennedy has organized, provided, and administered with conspicuous efficiency all of the hospitals required for the accommodation of our troops going overseas from that port, as well as for the large number of our sick and wounded soldiers returning home.