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 John J. Merrell, 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 Merrell rendered important services to liaison at Madeleine Farm, France, 10 – 13 October 1918, in repeatedly repairing important lines under heavy enemy fire.