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 (Field Artillery) Chester A. Searles, 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. Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Searles distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 103d Field Artillery, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Chemins des Dames, France, 17 February 1918, in personally carrying out of the gun pit burning powder charges.