By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Corporal Harold C. Cronk (MCSN: 94473/122879), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Corporal Cronk distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Battalion Headquarters, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Somme-Py, France, 2 – 9 October 1918. After being wounded in the head, Corporal Cronk refused to be evacuated until he personally delivered the message with which he was entrusted.