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 Captain (Infantry) Oscar Koeppel, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 166th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Seringes, France, 27 July 1918. After being severely wounded while leading his men through an intense barrage, Captain Koeppel refused to leave his company until they had been established on the front line and all orders and instructions turned over to the next in command.