By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), presenting the Silver Star Citation to Private First Class John C. Tharp (ASN: 555575), 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. Private Tharp, Headquarters Troop, performed the duties of a motorcycle dispatch rider with the Message Center, 3 Division, continuously since May 1918. He participated in all of the operations of the 3d Division and has rendered exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility. Private Tharp’s work on the Marne and in the advance across the Marne is deserving of the-highest praise. At Montfaucon, Private Tharp was on duty at the advance Message Center at Madeleine Ferme, near Cunel, and rendered exceptional service delivering important messages to regiments under heavy shell fire and concentrations of gas.