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 George J. Laurent, 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 Laurent distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 18th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during World War I. Private First Class Laurent was one of a patrol of three men who stampeded a strong enemy patrol by pistol and grenade fire.