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 Christian Desalernos (ASN: 2783042), 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 Desalernos distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 362d Infantry Regiment, 91st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Gesnes, France, 29 September 1918. While his organization was reducing on e of the enemy machine gun positions, though wounded, Private Desalernos continued to operate an automatic gun and to advance with the organization until the enemy had been driven out.