William F. Smidt

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William F. Smidt, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Ronssoy, France, September 29, 1918. Although suffering from a most painful wound, Sergeant Smidt refused to be evacuated, but continued to lead his platoon in their assault against the enemy. The advance being halted by intense enemy machine-gun fire, he personally rushed upon an enemy machine-gun nest and with bombs put the machine gun out of action, thus enabling his platoon to resume their advance. Again stopped by enemy machine-gun fire, he again attacked an enemy nest, but was seriously wounded in the attempt and evacuated to the hospital. His indomitable bravery and utter disregard for his own safety greatly inspired the men of his company.