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 Corporal Robert Otto Kopplin (ASN: 36609579), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment, 33d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 19 March 1945. Company F was on patrol along **** Road, when heavy fire was suddenly encountered from camouflaged enemy positions located on commanding ground. Corporal Kopplin, an assistant squad leader, crawling back approximately 25 yards from his forward position, took command of two squads whose leaders had been wounded. After moving some of the men into defilade where they could open fire on the enemy, he seized an automatic rifle and, followed by several other men from the two squads, crawled forward under heavy machine gun, mortar, grenade and rifle fire to a position where several of the enemy installations could be observed. Then, with complete disregard for his own life, he led his men in a fierce counter-attack, delivering heavy fire into the enemy emplacements as he advanced. In the course of this action he was hit and killed, but his comrades, inspired by his bold and gallant action, killed many of the enemy and drove the remainder from their positions. Corporal Kopplin, through his outstanding heroism and indomitable spirit, at the cost of his life, paved the way for a successful advance against the enemy. Corporal Kopplin’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 33d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.