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) William J. Crookston, 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 Division Surgeon, Colonel Crookston displayed marked ability of organization and administration throughout the service of the 28th Division in France. With keen judgment he supervised the location of dressing stations and field hospitals and used remarkable discretion in directing the entire work of evacuation of a large number of casualties. By constant vigilance with unceasing effort he provided for the health and treatment of the troops with whom he served, displaying professional attainments of a high order.