By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Captain (Field Artillery) John P. Ratajczak, 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. Captain Ratajczak distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Thiaucourt, France, 14 September 1918, in firing a captured enemy battery against the enemy and forcing down an enemy balloon.