By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Joseph C. Parsons (SN: 2180157), 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 Parsons distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Mezy, France, 15 July 1918, in defending a strong point with his automatic rifle.