By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Secretary Edward Weeks Cross, Y.M.C.A., a United States Civilian, is cited for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Secretary Cross distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as Acting Assistant Chaplain attached to the 18th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Soissons, France, 20 April 1918, in assisting in the evacuation of the wounded under heavy bombardment.