By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Lieutenant Charles C. Finnegan, 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. Lieutenant Finnegan distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 8th Machine-Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in the initial assault in Bois de Foret in the Meuse-Argonne, Lieutenant Finnegan showed exceptional qualities in leadership and courage. Notably on 14 October 1918, when he placed himself at the front of his platoon as was the first to enter the barrage. His cool judgment of the situation and guidance place the platoon through the barrage without the loss of a man.