By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Bernard A Gooch, 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 Gooch distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Machine Gun Company, 18th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action 17 May 1918. Private Gooch, the officer in command of his section having been killed, voluntarily carried a message under heavy shell fire over open ground within 300 yards of the enemy line.