By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private First Class Merle F. Ashbaugh, 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, Private First Class Ashbaugh rendered valuable services to liaison by delivering messages through the enemy barrage at Crezancy, France, 15 July 1918.