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) Charles Lynch, 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 Port Surgeon, Port of Embarkation, Newport News, Virginia, Colonel Lynch’s service in governing and controlling the agencies for caring for sick and wounded soldiers, protecting them against diseases, and safeguarding them prior to and during transport overseas, was conspicuous.