By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Raymond L. Abel, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with Company I, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near les Franquettes Farm, on 23 July 1918, Sergeant Abel displayed rare judgment and coolness in the absence of his platoon commander, in reorganizing his platoon during heavy shell fire shortly after a report had been circulated that the Germans were upon them.