By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant Elliott D. Cooke, United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Cooke distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action in the Boise de Belleau, France, 13 June 1918. Although wounded, First Lieutenant Cooke continued to lead his men through an intense artillery and machine gun barrage.