By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private William L. Ashbaugh (MCSN: 113603/150999), United States Marine Corps, 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. Private Ashbaugh distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Bayoneville, France, 1 November 1918, in operating an automatic rifle against the enemy.