Richard G. Smyrden

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Richard G. Smyrden, Captain, British Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Kadish, Russia, February 7, 1919. While moving forward in command of a support company, Captain Smyrden encountered a disorganized Russian company in full retreat. Quickly reorganizing two platoons of this force, and with his own company, he launched a successful counterattack which reestablished the firing line in the original position. He then launched a new attack, which drove the enemy into their line of blockhouses. The coolness and courage of this officer was a great inspiration to his men.