By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Major (Infantry) Benjamin F. Pepper, United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) 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. Major (Infantry) Pepper distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 313th Infantry, 79th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Montfaucon, France, 26 September 1918, and by his brilliant leadership.