The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert Espy, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 167th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Courpoil, France, 26 July 1918. While making a reconnaissance of his position 200 yards in front of our lines, Lieutenant Espy noticed the enemy preparing a counterattack. Taking an automatic rifle from a dead gunner’s hands he alone, although twice wounded, opened fire on them, breaking up the attack and inflicting severe losses on their ranks.