By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private First Class William Van Meer (ASN: 1749890), 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 First Class Van Meer distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action on 17 October 1918, near Grandpre, France, in going to the aid of a wounded comrade under heavy enemy fire.