The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Samuel Harrison Ballard, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the pursuit of superior forces of the enemy under the insurgent General Tinio in Northern Luzon, Philippine Islands, 4 – 18 December 1899, while serving as Sergeant, Company I, 33d Infantry, United States Volunteers.