James LEE Smith

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to James Lee Smith (RA15280680), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Private Smith distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Kuhe-ri, Korea, on 25 August 1950. On that date, Private Smith was a member of a force covering a patrol which crossed the Nam River. As the first boat of the patrol reached the opposite shore and the occupants debarked, they were subjected to intense hostile small-arms fire from three sides at a range of three hundred yards. Observing that the position of the patrol was untenable, the company commander ordered an immediate withdrawal. As the order was given, the patrol leader was killed, six members were wounded, and the assault boat was cast adrift. Private Smith, heedless of the deadly concentrations of hostile fire, plunged into the swift current and swam sixty yards through withering fire, retrieved the boat and brought it and the six wounded men to shore on the friendly side of the river. Private Smith’s conspicuous heroism, selfless regard for the welfare of his comrades, and his outstanding devotion to duty in saving the lives of six wounded men exemplify the highest ideals of the American soldier.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 89 (October 1, 1950)