By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private George Batze, 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 Batze distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with 2d Company, Machine-Gun Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during World War I. Private Batze courageously proceeded over ground outside the trench to his gun position in spite of a gas attack and a heavy barrage.