The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Oscar B. Nelson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 168th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at La Tuilerie Farm, France, 16 October 1918. Accompanied by six soldiers, First Lieutenant Nelson advanced 600 yards beyond his own lines through heavy fire from enemy artillery, machine-guns, and rifles, and captured two more machine-guns, killing, capturing, or dispersing their crews. Still later in the day he led his company in an attack on Chatillon Hill and took his objective, but in so doing received wounds which caused his death. His coolness, courage, and utter disregard for his own safety were a source of great inspiration to his men.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Oscar B. Nelson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company G, 168th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near La Croix Rouge Farm, northeast of Chateau-Thierry, France, 26 July 1918. During this attack when his company commander had been severely wounded and the second officer in command had been killed, Lieutenant Nelson, although wounded himself, displayed remarkable courage and bravery under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire when he assumed command of the company and led it gallantly forward, remaining in command until the attack was over and his company relieved.