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 L. Kouns, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Sergeant Kouns distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 26th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the operations connected with the capture and defense of Cantigny, France, 27 to 31 May 1918. Sergeant Kouns although wounded by shell fire, assisted in repelling a counter attack and in evacuating the wounded; when his own wound had been dressed he refused to be evacuated and returned to his platoon for duty.