By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Ruel M. Parsons (MCSN: 104823/304921), 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. Private Parsons distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 74th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, France, 1 – 11 November 1918, in carrying messages under heavy shell fire.