The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Air Corps), [then First Lieutenant] Stephen M. Smith (ASN: 0-375303), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 40th Pursuit Squadron, 35th Fighter Group, FAR EAST Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces near Port Moresby, New Guinea, on 16 June 1942. When a large number of enemy fighter planes approached the airdrome, Captain Smith led a flight of fighter planes to intercept them. Although the enemy planes were at a sufficiently high altitude to have his flight at a disadvantage, he chose to climb into the enemy for a head-on attack in an attempt to break up their formation. In spite of a shattered left arm and a serious wound in the leg, Captain Smith continued to press the attack until he could be relieved by his deputy flight commander. His courageous attack was so successful as to cause the enemy to abandon all attempts to attack the airdrome. Without the use of his left arm, he then succeeded in safely landing his plane. Captain Smith’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.