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 Philip Stearns, 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. First Sergeant Stearns distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 357th Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the St. Mihiel Offensive, France, 14 September 1918, in assuming command of a battalion and clearing out an enemy strong point.