By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Second Lieutenant (Infantry) William H. Gerow, 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. Second Lieutenant Gerow distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action in advancing in the face of machine gun fire until he reached a position from which he could fire upon the enemy during World War I.