By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant William F. Beckman (ASN: 1697424), 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. Sergeant Beckman distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 305th Infantry Regiment, 77th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Villers-en-Prayeres, France, 7 September 1918, and by the skill with which he handled his platoon.