By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918) Second Lieutenant Robert M. Balch (MCSN: 0-1901), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Second Lieutenant Balch distinguished himself while serving with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at St. Etienne, France, 2 – 9 October 1918.