By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] William H. Irvine, 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 with the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on the night of 14 – 15 July 1918, near Fossoy, France, at the imminent risk of his life during an intense artillery preparation by the enemy, Captain Irving exhibited ability to command troops under the most trying conditions, by maintaining complete control of his platoon, and keeping it intact as an organized fighting unit. On 15 July 1918, when he found that the enemy had crossed the river and was advancing on Fossoy from the direction of Mezy, he exercised initiative, quick decision, and rare judgment in taking up a most advantageous position near a stone quarry and rending valuable assistance in time of great peril.