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 Private George L. Smith (ASN: 3626764), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Medical Detachment, 125th Infantry Regiment (Attached), 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, northeast of Gesnes, France, 11 October 1918. Private Smith established a collecting point for the wounded in the valley north of Hill 258, during the attack of his battalion. The unit on the right, which was being subjected to an extremely heavy machine-gun fire from the enemy was unable to advance, thus exposing the right flank of his battalion to a severe machine-gun fire. The terrain afforded no protection to anyone attempting to cross, and a runner while attempting to cross this terrain was severely wounded, falling in an exposed position. Private Smith, with splendid heroism and courage, dashed across the exposed area and carried his wounded comrade in to our lines and rendered first aid.