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 Stephan A. Backley, 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 C, 5th Field Signal Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Private First Class Backley displayed exceptional courage at Madeleine Farm, France, 10 October 1918. He repaired important lines under heavy enemy fire. When his companion in this duty was severely wounded, Private Backley, after first making the necessary repairs, carried the wounded man to a place of safety.