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 (Quartermaster Corps) James H. Perkins, 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. Lieutenant Colonel Perkins was in charge of the work of the American Red Cross in Europe for a period of time, and by his great energy and untiring efforts maintained that institution to a high state of excellence and rendered valuable assistance to the American Expeditionary Forces. While in the military service he displayed marked ability in the performance of the various duties with which he was entrusted.