By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Captain (Infantry) Ralph Shoemaker, 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. Captain Shoemaker distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 114th Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Verdun, France, 29 October 1918, and by his brilliant leadership.