By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private George S. Downing (ASN: 280271), 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 Downing distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action on the Vesle, France, 28 July 1918, in assuming command of his company and brilliantly leading it.