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 R. Byars (ASN: 1385271), 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. Corporal Byars distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Machine Gun Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near the Bois de Cunel, France, 19 October 1918, in assuming command of and directing a squad under fire.