By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Robert Ackerman, 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 Ackerman distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 18th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during World War I. Private Ackerman displayed conspicuous coolness in rushing an enemy machine gun, preventing the enemy from firing on his party, although he knew hand grenades were about to explode near the machine gun.