By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Infantry) Edwin C. Bruce, 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. First Lieutenant Bruce distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 323d Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces, in action south of the Bois de Manheulles, southeast of Verdun, 19 November 1918, in coolly directing his men under heavy fire, and refusing to be evacuated although badly gassed.