The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Parley Doney Parkinson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on 11 October 1918, when the 2d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment was ordered to move forward with Major Parkinson in command. The forward movement was started and after about fifteen minutes advance, a message was received at Battalion Headquarters stating that the machine guns on the left were holding up the advance of our right. Major Parkinson went forward from his Post of Command through heavy artillery and machine gun fire to his front line in order to personally reconnoiter the cause of our right being held up. He was wounded by a machine gun bullet while observing. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Parkinson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.