By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Lieutenant Colonel (Signal Corps) William L. Hallanhan, 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. Lieutenant Colonel Hallanhan distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as Signal Officer, Headquarters, 27th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action east of St. Souplet, France, on 18 July 1918, and by his brilliant leadership.