By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Infantry) John M. Allen, United States Army, 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. First Lieutenant Allen distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Cote Dame Marie, France, 14 October 1918, in rescuing a wounded soldier under heavy shell fire.