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 F. Gross (MCSN: 118598/4604655), 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 Gross distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 97th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near St. Etienne on the Champagne front, France, 3 – 9 October 1918, while acting as a runner.