The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Willie L. Whitehurst, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 2d Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment, 5th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during combat in France on 25 October 1918. His unit was engaged on the Meuse-Argonne front and had come through a terrific German Artillery barrage which killed and wounded many men. It was imperative that someone reach headquarters and return with reinforcements. This necessitated passing through the barrage twice. Private Whitehurst volunteered for his hazardous duty and accomplished his mission successfully, thus encouraging his comrades whose morale had been visibly shaken.