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) Robert Urie Patterson, 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 Commanding Officer, Base Hospital No. 5, United States Army, serving with the British Expeditionary Forces at Dannes-Camiers and Boulogne, France, Colonel Patterson displayed tireless energy and military attainments of a high order in the efficient operation of this hospital. By his marked devotion to duty and administrative ability great numbers of our own and allied sick and wounded were treated, resulting in the saving of many lives. His services were of material value to the American Expeditionary Forces.