By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Ewin C. Hayes, 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 Hayes distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 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. Sergeant Hayes took charge of a platoon which had suffered heavy casualties and whose chief had been killed, thus enabling the platoon to take part in the attack where it did excellent work.