By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Paul L. Barnes (ASN: 542912), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with Company L, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on 15 July 1918, near Fossoy, France, Private Barnes displayed exceptional bravery and disregard for personal safety in organizing and maintaining a relay of runners between the Battalion Post of Command and the Post of Command of the Commanding Officer of the right flank when his flank was seriously threatened by the enemy.