By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Clay T. Rankin (ASN: 1287888), 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 Rankin distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 116th Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces, in action north of Samogneux, France, 11 October 1918, in carrying important messages under enemy fire.