By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private John Ellena (ASN: 543172), 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 Company M, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Fossoy, France, on 15 July 1918, Private Ellena rendered invaluable assistance in finding and placing men of his platoon in places of security. He later found more secure positions and assisted his comrades in getting to those places. He then carried several messages from his platoon commander and was at all times a volunteer in the above named acts, and he showed absolute disregard to danger to which he was constantly exposed in so doing.