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 Edward L. Thornton, 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 Thornton displayed exceptional courage at Cunel Heights, France, in October 1918. Although subjected to heavy machine gun fire, he held an exposed position and operated a Stokes Mortar, thereby inflicting severe losses on the enemy and aiding greatly in the success gained by his unit.