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 (Corps of Engineers) Frank O. Mercer, 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. Second Lieutenant Mercer distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 7th Engineers, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Frapelle, France, 17 August 1918, in assisting in the removal of the wounded under heavy shell and machine gun fire.