By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Burney J. Balmer (ASN: 2175452), 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, during the Battle of the Marne, 15 July 1918, Sergeant Balmer displayed extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty by remaining at his post in a gun-pit near Mezy, Moulins, and assisted to keep a trench mortar in operation after the rest of the crew had been killed and wounded. He remained at this exposed position and maintained rifle fire on the enemy until the withdrawal was ordered.