By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Axel J. Carlstrom, 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 Carlstrom distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 3d Machine-Gun Battalion, 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 Carlstrom while under heavy shell fire, showed great courage and coolness in inspiring confidence in his men and in directing the fire of his guns.