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 Eugene D. Orrell, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 1st Division, 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 Orrell distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 26th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the operations connected with the capture and defense of Cantigny, France, 27 to 31 May 1918. Second Lieutenant Orrell displayed remarkable coolness and courage in handling his platoon during an extremely heavy bombardment and an attack against his position; he successfully conducted the counter attack which drove the enemy back with losses in killed and wounded.