By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private John P. Kanlen, 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. Private Kanlen distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 16th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during World War I. While on duty at a listening post he was rushed and seized by an enemy patrol; Private Kanlen although held by the throat and threatened with a pistol struggled and fought until he freed himself and gave the alarm, his determined action resulting in the capture of one German and the complete repulse of the enemy patrol.