By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private John Ballas (ASN: 2451061), 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. Private Ballas distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 312th Infantry Regiment, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Grand Pre, France, 18 October 1918, in crossing a shell swept area in order to secure an automatic rifle from a dead comrade.