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 (Chaplain’s Corps) Richard (Ricardus) R. Rankin, 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. Senior Chaplain Rankin distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 4th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Courchamps and Hautevesnes, France, 18 – 20 July 1918. Chaplain Rankin was continuously on the field under fire, directing the burial of the dead. At great risk to himself he personally directed search parties in the recovery of the dead in the immediate vicinity of the front lines, and in doing so he demonstrated an extreme devotion to duty and a splendid example of bravery.