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 F. McKernon, 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 McKernon has, by his tireless devotion to duty and his willingness to work in any capacity, not only placed his remarkable ability freely and fully at the disposition of the wounded, but in addition he has set so high a standard of professional efficiency as to serve as an inspiration to all with whom he has come in contact.