By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Thomas J. Gelia (ASN: 542888), 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 Gelia distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action on 15 July 1918, near Fossoy, France, in organizing and maintaining a relay of runners between the Battalion P.C. and the P.C. of the Commanding Officer of the right flank.