John E. Smith
Home Town: Norman Park, GA
Distinguished Service Cross
U.S. Army
World War I
General Orders No. No. 132, W.D., 1918
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John E. Smith, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 19, 1918. On his own initiative Sergeant Smith took command of his company when all its officers and its first sergeant had been killed or wounded, and carried forward successfully its part in the day’s attack.
Distinguished Service Cross
U.S. Army
World War II
Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 287 (1945)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John E. Smith, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 26 October 1944. Staff Sergeant Smith’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
