By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant James W. Koon, 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 Koon distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 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 Koon directed the fire and assisted in the operation of the guns of his section until all ammunition was expended when he proceeded under extremely heavy artillery fire to report to his platoon commander.