By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Sergeant Okey H. Shannon (ASN: 548304), 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 the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on the night of 15 – 16 July 1918, during the Champagne-Marne Defensive, despite being severely burned about the head with gas, First Sergeant Shannon refused to be sent to the hospital. He stayed at his post with his platoon. During the day of 16 July 1918, his platoon moving out was caught under a very heavy barrage and immediately took cover in a small ravine. Sergeant Shannon voluntarily made two trips out of this place by himself, found the road and direction and led the platoon out. He assisted in taking care of the wounded men during the barrage, regardless of personal safety.