By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Hugh Oliver Cook, Y.M.C.A., a United States Civilian, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Secretary Cook distinguished himself by gallantry in action while attached to the 371st Infantry Regiment, 93d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Hill 188, France, in voluntarily administering to the wounded until he was gassed, on 28 September 1918.