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 Fennesey, 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 Fennesey distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 26th 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 Fennesey although mortally wounded, displayed extreme bravery and devotion to duty in staying at his post until the enemy had been repulsed; when being evacuated in a dying condition he thought only of his duty, advising his platoon commander to place another auto-rifle in position as the one there had been broken.