Orval Kline
Distinguished Service Cross
U.S. Army
World War I
General Orders No. No. 138, W.D., 1918
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Orval Kline, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action northeast of Nantillois, France, October 12, 1918. While the infantry was falling back 200 meters to take coyer from heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, he, with his platoon sergeant, stayed at their one remaining machine-gun, which they continued to operate for 45 minutes, until the infantry position was reestablished. They not only successfully covered withdrawal of the infantry, but also captured a German machine-gun and three prisoners.