By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Second Lieutenant S. A. Baxter, 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. Second Lieutenant Baxter distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 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. Second Lieutenant Baxter displayed exceptional gallantry while leading a patrol across open ground in broad daylight and establishing liaison with an adjoining battalion; the patrol was made under intense artillery and machine gun fire and its mission was extremely important.