By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private First Class Reason Downing (ASN: 489310), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Private First Class Downing distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 56th Infantry Regiment, 7th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Hill 327, France, 16 October 1918, while on duty as a runner.