By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Walter E. Van Ness (ASN: 1550101), United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) 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 Van Ness distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Battery E, 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Montfaucon, France, 5 and 6 October 1918, while maintaining telephonic communication under fire.