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 (Medical Corps) James G. Cumming, 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 Sanitary Inspector, Port of Embarkation, Newport News, Virginia, from 25 April 1918 to 18 August 1919, Colonel Cumming rendered exceptionally meritorious services in connection with the studies of epidemic influenza and pneumonia, and due to the high degree of efficiency displayed by him the mortality rate at this port was held to a minimum. Colonel Cumming’s research work while at this port has proved of great value to the military forces.