By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Willie T. Welch (ASN: 3258409), 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 Welch distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 166th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Cheveuges, France, 7 November 1918, while on a patrol.