By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Joseph Brown, 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 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on 7 October 1918, Private Brown displayed extraordinary bravery and devotion to duty near Montfaucon, France, Private Brown served his piece, while firing a barrage in support of an infantry attack, and although under heavy shell fire, seriously gassed, he continued in the service of his piece and refused to be evacuated until his gun was disabled by a German shell.