By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant William C. Hardie (ASN: 549510), United States Army, is 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 him. While serving with Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on 15 July 1918, Sergeant Hardie exhibited extraordinary bravery and devotion to his superior officer during the heavy bombardment of the battle of the Marne. Sergeant Hardie upon hearing that Lieutenant Crandall had been wounded, left his shelter trench, and exposed himself to heavy shell fire in search of him. After fiending Lieutenant Crandall, Sergeant Hardie administered first aid, and unable to obtain assistance dragged him to a shelter trench and then secured the aid of stretcher bearers to carry him to the rear. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]