By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Joseph R. Shirley (ASN: 1312544), 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 Shirley distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 118th Infantry Regiment, 30th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Brancourt, France, 8 October 1918. Although painfully wounded in the back, he continued to lead his squad until his company was relieved.