By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Robert Nelson, 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 Nelson distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 2d Machine-Gun Battalion, 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 Nelson fearlessly exposed himself, under heavy shell fire, while acting as a lookout when it was thought that the enemy was advancing behind a barrage.