By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Corporal Leo A. Heckman (ASN: 261331), 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. Corporal Heckman distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 3d A.C. Observation Group, American Expeditionary Forces, in action on 20 October 1918, at Hill 280, west of Brieulles, France, in repairing lines of communication under enemy fire.