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) James Douglas Fife, 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. In command of Base Hospital No. 21, Colonel Fife served with distinction with the British Expeditionary Forces. He was later assigned to duty in the Office of the Chief Surgeon in charge of hospital planning and construction, procurement of permanent buildings, establishment of hospitalization, liaison with the French authorities, the General Staff, and with the Engineers. In the performance of these multifarious duties he displayed conspicuous ability.