By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private First Class Cornelius J. Rappelyea (ASN: 58770), United States Army, is cited for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Private First Class Rappelyea distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Cantigny, France, 30 May 1918, while maintaining an observation post during enemy bombardment.