By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant Herbert J. Powell, 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. First Lieutenant Powell distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with 108th Trench Mortar Battery, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Bois de Bantheville, France, 30 October 1918, and by his brilliant leadership.