By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant John P. Deal (ASN: 1386500), 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 Deal distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 131st Infantry Regiment, 33d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Chipilly Ridge, France, 9 August 1918, in making a reconnaissance under heavy machine gun and artillery fire.