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 Joseph P. Hennessy (ASN: 88519), 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 Hennessy distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Soissons, France, on 16 July 1918, in carrying important messages under fire, and refusing to be evacuated although wounded.