By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Walter S. Stewart, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Private Stewart distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Machine Gun Company, 26th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the operations connected with the capture and defense of Cantigny, France, 27 to 31 May 1918. Private Stewart displayed great courage in crossing a long stretch of ground swept by artillery and machine gun fire and assisting in the rescue of an officer who was lying in the open seriously wounded; Private Stewart was wounded while on this mission.