By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Lieutenant Debrut, Army of France, is cited for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Lieutenant Debrut distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 8th Engineers, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the operations connected with the capture and defense of Cantigny, France, 27 to 31 May 1918. Lieutenant Debrut displayed high qualities of efficiency and courage in maintaining the organization and upkeep of telephone communications during a violent bombardment; although wounded he continued to perform his duty until the end of the action.