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 Fred J.V. Ergenz, 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 Ergenz 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. Private First Class Ergenz displayed exceptional bravery when, after two men were wounded beside him and his own gun was knocked out of his hands, he carried the wounded through gas and shell fire to the Battalion Aid Station. Private Ergenz was afterwards killed in a German counter attack.