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 Ivan L. Coyner, 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 Coyner distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 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. Private First Class Coyner remained at his gun and kept it in action under heavy fire, although three times buried by large shells; when his gun was completely destroyed, Private Coyner seized an infantry rifle and stayed at his post.