By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Ernest Spraker (ASN: 2214178), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with Headquarters Company 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, as a 1st Battalion Runner, Private Spraker proved tireless and showed exceptional courage during the Argonne engagement in delivering messages between Battalion and Regimental Command Posts. On 13 October 1918, during a heavy shell and gas bombardment on the Bois de Foret, while not engaged as a runner, Private Spraker voluntarily left his place of safety and, unassisted, carried wounded to shelter and administered first aid.