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) R. J. Bell, 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 Bell distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Les Eparges, France, 18 July 1918, by his brilliant leadership.