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 Major (Medical Corps) Fordyce B. St. John, 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 of Mobile Hospital No. 2 at Coincy, France, from June to August 1918, Major St. John commanded his hospital under most difficult and trying conditions with inadequate equipment and personnel. Later he served continuously at the front, taking a most active part in the Medical Service of our military efforts. Due to his unusual organizing ability and his indomitable will, his unit was always close to the firing line.