By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Second Lieutenant Russell C. Atkins, 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. Second Lieutenant Atkins distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 365th Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Pont-a-Mousson, France, 11 November 1918, while directing his platoon in attack on Boise Frehaut.