By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private First Class James R. Smyers, 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 L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Private First Class Smyers displayed exceptional coolness and bravery in the Battle of the Marne, July 1918. He carried important messages under heavy shell fire and continued this work even after he had been slightly wounded, refusing to be evacuated until his unit had been relieved.