By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Benjamin A. Moreland, 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. Private Moreland distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 28th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the operations connected with the capture and defense of Cantigny, France, 27 to 31 May 1918. Private Moreland was in charge of a squad in a trench which was partially demolished by enemy fire; Private Moreland displayed unusual qualities of leadership and decision in rallying his men and directing their fire with such effect as to prevent the enemy from effecting a lodging in his part of the trench.