By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private First Class Laurits P. Sorensen, 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 First Class Sorensen distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 16th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during World War I. Private First Class Sorensen displayed great courage and devotion to duty in applying first aid and in assisting in the rescue of the wounded at great personal risk to himself during a violent bombardment which made casualties out of half of his platoon.