By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Lieutenant Colonel J. A. Crane, 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. Lieutenant Colonel Crane distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 6th Field Artillery, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during World War I. Lieutenant Colonel Crane displayed conspicuous skill in handling his battalion when it was subjected to an overwhelming gas concentration in such a manner as to preserve the mission of his guns, with a minimum of injury to the personnel.