By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Corporal James L. Smith, Jr. (MCSN: 79382/304696), 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. Corporal Smith distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 82d Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near St. Etienne, France, 3 – 9 October 1918, in voluntarily securing valuable information under heavy fire.