Otto Benell was credited with 1 aerial victory in World War I.
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Otto Benell was credited with 1 aerial victory in World War I.
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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 Second Lieutenant (Air Service) Otto Earl Benell, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 135th Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Thiaucourt, France, 12 September 1918, Lieutenant Benell went out on a two-hour counter attack artillery adjustment under adverse weather conditions. Soon after he suffered an accident to his right hand, which made it useless. In spite of this injury, he continued to operate his wireless key with his left hand, directing the fire of the batteries on concentrations behind the enemy lines.