By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Supply Sergeant Joseph Balate (ASN: 40803), 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. Supply Sergeant Balate distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at La Tuilerie Ferme, France, 3 November 1918, in bringing up rations under heavy enemy fire.