By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Sergeant Matthew J. Connelly (ASN: 551396), 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. First Sergeant Connelly distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Mezy, France, 15 July 1918, in assuming command of the second platoon and directing its fire.