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 Robert James Kline (ASN: 279460), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company D, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Gesnes, northwest of Verdun, France, 5 October 1918. Picking up a light Maxim gun and ammunition left by the retreating enemy, he advanced in front of his company’s line and supported it with enfilading fire so effectively that he was soon made the target of many German guns. With the utmost coolness and entire disregard for his own safety, he continued to give appreciable support with his captured gun until he was killed by the hostile machine-gun fire. His example of bravery and audacity was an inspiration to the whole command.