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 Lieutenant Colonel (Ambulance Corps) Abram Piatt Andrew, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility. Coming to France at the beginning of World War I, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew showed remarkable ability in organizing the American Field Service, a volunteer service for the transportation of the wounded of the French Armies at the front. Upon the entry of the United States into the war he turned over the efficient organization he had built to the United States Army Ambulance Service, and by his sound judgment and expert advice rendered invaluable aid in the development of that organization. To him is due, in a large measure, the credit for the increasingly valuable work done by the light ambulances at the front.