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 Sergeant Ray M. Karls (ASN: 200097), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company C, 117th Field Signal Battalion, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Souain, France, July 14 – 15, 1918. Sergeant Karls while in charge of the visual posts of the 167th Infantry during the bombardment on the night of July 14 – 15, 1918, went constantly from post to post with utter disregard of personal danger, and allowed the men under him to get shelter from the intense shell fire while he stood their post. After having been gassed, and wounded in the arm, he assisted in the evacuation of the wounded, refusing to have his own wound dressed until all others had received attention. He died from the effects of gas soon after receiving treatment. His bravery, courage, and devotion to duty were an inspiration to his comrades.