By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Clarence E. Putnam (ASN: 2262157), United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) 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. Sergeant Putnam distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 348th Machine-Gun Battalion, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Very, France, 26 September – 4 October 1918, and by his brilliant leadership.