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 C. Downey (ASN: 2292844), 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 Downey distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 348th Machine-Gun Battalion, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, 4 October 1918, while on duty as a runner.