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) Joseph A. Blake, 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 Consultant for the District of Paris, and Commanding Officer of the Red Cross Hospital No. 2, Colonel Blake efficiently standardized surgical procedures, especially in the recent methods of treating fractures. His remarkable talent has materially reduced the suffering and loss of life among our wounded.