By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Gustaf DeBaene (ASN: 550633), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with Company E, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Private DeBaene showed extraordinary heroism in action on 16 July 1918, near Connigis, France. He left his dugout to go to the rescue of three men who had been wounded by a shell under heavy artillery fire from the enemy, showing utmost bravery and disregard for his own personal safety.


