By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Jesse E. Welch (ASN: 2214331), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving as a Runner with Company E, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on 23 July 1918, near Mont St. Pere, Private Welch repeatedly passed through heavy machine gun and rifle fire to deliver messages to his company commander and to maintain liaison with neighboring troops.