By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Major Joseph F. O’Hara (ASN: 544362), 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 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and in charge of liaison of Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, Sergeant Major O’Hara displayed great courage and resourcefulness throughout the intense barrages of the Champagne-Marne Defensive, 15 – 18 July 1918, in Bois d’Aigremont near Crezancy, France, maintaining at all times close liaison with all units of his front line companies and adjoining troops by runner after all other means of communication had failed. Through his ability in handling soldiers, his encouragements and his repeated exposure to shell fire, the morale of Battalion Headquarters runners was ever of a high degree and was a factor in the turning of a defensive to an offensive operation.