William L. Smith

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to William L. Smith (NG24534226), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Smith distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kumhwa, Korea, on 4 November 1951. In an attack on a strongly held hostile position, Sergeant Smith commanded the assault squad of his platoon. As the squad approached the main enemy position, heavy small-arms and grenade fire inflicted serious casualties. Although wounded twice, he continued to lead his unit and directed the attack against the enemy bunkers that were the principal obstacles to the progress of his unit. By almost superhuman effort and despite his wounds, this intrepid leader personally inflicted heavy casualties upon the enemy and continued to lead the advance until he was killed by an exploding grenade.