By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private John Bell (ASN: 1954013), United States Army, 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 Bell distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 323d Field Artillery, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Verdun, France, 23 – 24 October 1918, in volunteering to construct a telephone line under extremely heavy shell fire.