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) John B. Walker, 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 Base Hospital No. 116, American Expeditionary Forces, and later as Consultant in the United States during the period of demobilization. The services rendered by Colonel Walker in standardizing and supervising the treatment of the wounded and suffering from gunshot fractures were of inestimable value to the Government and a material contribution to the rehabilitation of the disabled.