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 M. Griner, 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 Griner distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 28th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the operations connected with the capture and defense of Cantigny, France, 27 to 31 May 1918. Private Griner displayed great bravery in carrying messages across open ground swept by machine gun and rifle fire, and, although twice wounded, refused to accept medical attention until he was assured that the message which he was carrying would be relayed to company headquarters.