By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private William H. Clendening (ASN: 4133), 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 Clendening distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Machine Gun Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 – 7 June 1918, in guiding a reconnaissance under heavy enemy barrage and machine gun fire.