By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant DeWitte E. Slocum (SN: 2274126), 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. Sergeant Slocum distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 316th Field Signal Battalion, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Audenarde, Belgium, 31 October – 3 November 1918, in establishing and maintaining telephone communication during heavy shell fire.