Frank Smith (Aka: Ray Rufus

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank Smith, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near St. Baussant, northeast of St. Mihiel, France, September 12, 1918. While advancing in the assault line, Corporal smith spied a German about to open fire with a machine-gun which would have taken in enfilade his entire platoon. He killed the German with a single rifle shot. The other three of the machine-gun crew fled, but he pursued them alone, cut them off from the rear and captured, single handed, 16 of the enemy in one group. His quick decision, excellent marksmanship, and absolute fearlessness were of the greatest value in overcoming the enemy’s resistance.