By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Second Lieutenant (Coast Artillery Corps) Joe L. Thomas, 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. Second Lieutenant Thomas distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 42d Coast Artillery Corps, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Hans Marne, France, 16 July 1918, in remaining in an exposed position awaiting orders during a heavy bombardment.