By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private August H. De Ford, 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 De Ford distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 28th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during World War I. After being knocked down by an exploding shell, Private De Ford continued to serve an automatic rifle.