By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Infantry) William Stewart Collins, 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 as Gas Officer with the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Lieutenant Collins at his own request was sent to the line, and successfully led his platoon in the attack on le Charmel, France, on 23 July 1918, where he showed initiative and leadership and absolute disregard for personal safety.