By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Watson J. Howdon (ASN: 198733), 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 Howdon distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 2d Field Signal Battalion, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Exermont, France, 5 October 1918, in maintaining and repairing lines of communication under heavy fire.