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 Brigadier General William S. Thayer, 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 Chief Consultant in Medicine of the American Expeditionary Forces, with untiring zeal General Thayer devoted his time, energy, and high professional talents in promoting the organization of eminent medical officers for the prosecution of efficient treatment among the sick and wounded of the American Expeditionary Forces. Largely through his individual efforts, the treatment of the sick was so standardized, coordinated, and proficiently perfected as to result in a direct saving of many lives and a consequent conservation of man power and morale of these forces.