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) Elmer A. Dean, 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. Colonel Dean came to France with a base hospital unit, which he established. Later he organized and commanded the first large hospital center at Bazoilles. The success of this center in caring for a large number of sick and wounded was due in a large measure to his high professional attainments, zeal, and extraordinary executive ability.