By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Earl F. Blake, 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 Blake distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 102d Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action in the Chemin des Dames sector, on the night of 28 February-1 March 1918, while assisting in the defense of his position during an enemy raid.