By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Corporal Herbert Pratt (ASN: 555488), 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 Company D, 9th Machine Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Corporal Pratt displayed exceptional bravery and initiative in the Champagne-Marne Defensive, 14 July 1918. At the beginning of the violent enemy barrage he established his gun in an exposed forward position and by his coolness and qualities of leadership encouraged his men to hold the position against overwhelming odds.