By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Francis L. Southern (ASN: 1386055), 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. Private Southern distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Machine Gun Company, 131st Infantry Regiment, 33d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Bois de Chaume, France, 9 – 11 October 1918. Although wounded, he refused to leave his post until the rest of the wounded had been taken care of.