By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Joseph Petrust, 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. Sergeant Petrust distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 6th Field Artillery, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during World War I. Sergeant Petrust left the casemate of his piece when it was struck by heavy counter-battery fire and during the continuance of that fire removed falling logs and debris to facilitate the service of his gun.”