By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant John Schmeltz (ASN: 1550612/547654), 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. Sergeant Schmeltz distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action in Bois de Rappes, France, 20 October 1918, while directing the movement of his platoon during an attack.

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Sergeant John Schmeltz (ASN: 547654), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. This splendid old soldier of more than 25 years service was Mess Sergeant of Company I, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces. He asked to be allowed to go to the front with the company when there was fighting to be done. The day before the Argonne Offensive he repeated his request and was assigned as a duty sergeant. In the fighting later he was conspicuous for his bravery and devotion to duty. He led his men time and again in the face of machine gun and artillery fire and never wavered. He was wounded in the Bois de Rappes just before the regiment was relieved.