By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Ralph A. Chapelle, 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, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Private Chapelle displayed exceptional heroism near Crezancy, France, 15 July 1918. Although badly wounded he refused to quit his post in the fire trenches until ordered by his Company Commander to go to a first aid station.