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) R. M. Whatley, 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. Captain Whatley distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 35th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action in Montabeau Woods, France, 28 September 1918, in assisting in conducting a ration train forward under intense shell fire.