By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Hospital Apprentice First Class Absalom F. Bear (NSN: 303756), United States Navy, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Hospital Apprentice First Class Bear distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near St. Etienne-a-Arnes, France, 4 October 1918. Hospital Apprentice First Class Bear displayed extreme courage and ability in caring for and evacuating the wounded under heavy shell and machine-gun fire. He showed exceptional bravery and disregard for personal safety in going out under heavy shell and machine-gun fire to carry wounded comrades to a safe place from which they might be evacuated.