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) William A. Fisher, 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. Due to his great energy, excellent judgment, and unusual knowledge of the personnel capabilities of surgeons, Lieutenant Colonel Fisher made it possible to organize surgical teams and distribute surgical personnel in a manner which made it possible for evacuation hospitals to function under the greatest difficulties in spite of personnel shortage.