By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private John W. Tretow (ASN: 244571), 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 Tretow distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 5th Field Signal Battalion, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Le Charmel, France, 26 July 1918, in assisting in laying a telephone line under heavy shell fire.