Ray M. Karls

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ray M. Karls, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action 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.