By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Corporal Aubrey Eakens (ASN: 88917), 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. Corporal Eakens distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Machine Gun Company, 167th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Croix Rouge Farm, France, 26 July to 1 August 1918, in volunteering to take charge of a gun after the rest of the crew had become casualties.