By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private First Class Cletis W. Smith (ASN: 58782), United States Army, is cited for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Private First Class Smith distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Cantigny, France, 28 – 30 May 1918. One of eight battalion runners, he reportedly volunteered to carry important messages in the daytime to regimental headquarters and to the front lines, although this brought him constantly under the observation of enemy snipers and necessitated his passage through areas which were continually being shelled heavily. Although frequently shot at he continued without relief for three days and nights during the operation and safely delivered all messages entrusted to him.