By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Captain (Infantry) Joseph W. Conkling, United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) 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. Captain Conkling distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 327th Infantry Regiment, 82d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Sommerance, France, 11 October 1918, while making a reconnaissance in advance of lines under heavy enemy fire.