By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Corporal William J. Lacey (ASN: 1551254), 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 Battery F, 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Corporal Lacey showed conspicuous devotion to duty under repeatedly severe shell fire. On 14 October 1918, near Cunel, France, during a heavy enemy barrage lasting four hours and in which three of the members of his section were killed, he exposed himself without regard to personal danger, voluntarily assisting wherever possible until badly gassed and wounded.