By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Corporal William F. Ballard (ASN: 2338447), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with Company D, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Corporal Ballard displayed great courage and utter disregard for his own safety near Nesles on 15 July 1918, when he went out under heavy shell fire and ministered to the wounded, and then took them back to the battalion aid station making several trips through the shell-swept area. He repeatedly carried important messages and directed runners to their destination.