By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Infantry) John G. Purtillo, 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 Lieutenant (Infantry) Purtillo distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action in the Bois de Bantheville, France, 18 October 1918, in assuming command of and brilliantly leading his company in the advance.