By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Corporal Earnest Burch, 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. Corporal Burch distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Battery D, 5th Field Artillery, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during World War I. With conspicuous bravery, Corporal Burch voluntarily left his dugout under an intense enemy bombardment and without assistance, rescued a comrade who was wounded and lying outside and exposed to enemy fire.