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 (Medical Corps) Richard P. Strong, 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. Possessed of the highest professional qualifications and actuated by zealous devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Strong has rendered services of inestimable value to the American Expeditionary Forces, notably as President of a Board appointed to investigate the cause of trench fever, a disease which had caused serious losses to the effectiveness of the allied armies. The scientific research of this Board under his skillful direction led to the discovery of the means by which trench fever is transmitted and in the establishment of effective measures for its prevention.