By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Ennie W. Townsend (ASN: 80129), 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. Private Townsend distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the Machine Gun Company, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Verdun, France, 4 – 13 October 1918. Although severely gassed he remained on duty during the entire period.