By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Corporal Charles R. Simons, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Corporal Simons distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 28th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during World War I. Although temporarily stunned by a shell splinter, Corporal Simons continued to command his automatic rifle squad during a heavy bombardment.