By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Francis W. Whitney, 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. Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Whitney distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 131st Infantry Regiment, 33d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action on the Meuse, France, 12 October 1918, and by his brilliant leadership.