By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Paul Cornelius, 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 Headquarters Company 18th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Private Cornelius on the night of 14 July 1918, performed duties as Motorcycle Messenger, carrying messages from the Post of Command at Viffort to the different battalions at Le Perle Farm, France, after telephonic communications had been broken. Despite heavy gas and high explosive shelling, and congested conditions of the roads, he maintained messenger service between these points after having to abandon his machine for a time and proceed on foot. He continued his duties with a fine example of faithfulness 16 July 1918, when he was severely gassed.