Howard G. Smith

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Howard G. Smith, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Bois-de-Romagne, France, October 15, 1918. Lieutenant Smith was wounded early in the engagement but he declined to be evacuated, although he was suffering much pain. He brilliantly led his platoon in a charge on four machine-guns, which he captured, together with many prisoners, and was instrumental in clearing the Bois De Romagne of the enemy under terrific machine-gun fire. Throughout the action his leadership, courage, and determination inspired the greatest confidence. When he was partly overcome by the loss of blood he volunteered to guide 60 prisoners back over a shell-swept area, but refused medical treatment until the prisoners were delivered at battalion headquarters.