James C. Smith

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James C. Smith (RA34479060), Master Sergeant, 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, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Master Sergeant Smith distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Kuhre-ni, Korea, on 11 September 1950. On that date, Master Sergeant Smith had his platoon in a defensive position on high ground overlooking the Nam River when they were attacked by a numerically superior enemy force. For approximately five hours the platoon held the position in spite of repeated fanatical enemy “banzai” charges. Although wounded twice, Sergeant Smith remained with his men directing their fire and encouraging them to held the position. When the position became untenable and the platoon was ordered to withdraw, Sergeant Smith voluntarily remained to cover the withdrawal. He fought so stubbornly and courageously that he was still holding the enemy at bay when the position was retaken by friendly forces.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 114 (March 4, 1951), as amended by General Orders No. 335 (May 24, 1951)