By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Walter A. Goertz, 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. First Lieutenant Goertz distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 316th Engineers, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Spitaals, near Waereghem, Belgium, on 31 October 1918, and by his brilliant leadership.