By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Earl C. Elliott (ASN: 554981), Sergeant Joseph B. Crandall (Deceased), Corporal Athanasseos Xanthopoulos (ASN: 554824), Corporal John J. Hourihan (Deceased), and Private Joseph B. Rosella (ASN: 554935), United States Army, are cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded them. While serving with Company B, 9th Machine Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, while making a relief in Bois d’Aigremont, near Crezancy, France, on the night of 14 – 15 July 1918, these men, in the confusion caused by darkness and terrific artillery fire, became separated from their guides, but never hesitating, searched until they found the positions in which to set up the guns under their charge. Through their bravery and leadership they were able to greatly strengthen our lines at that point. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]