By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Lieutenant (Medical Corps) Robert J. Lawler, United States Naval Reserve, 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. Lieutenant Lawler distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Officer attached to the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Blanc Mont Ridge, France, 4 October 1918, in administering first aid and assisting in carrying the wounded to a place of shelter under fire.