By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant John J. Cairns (ASN: 543089), United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) 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 Company M, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during an attack on 14 October 1918, on Hill 258, Sergeant Cairns was badly gassed and was ordered to the first aid station. He insisted in remaining at his post, which was under heavy shell fire, and was killed. His action was a source of encouragement to the men under him.