(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Major (Air Corps) George A. Smith (ASN: 0-790047), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a C-47 Troop Carrier Airplane in the 49th Troop Carrier Squadron, 313d Troop Carrier Group, NINTH Air Force, in action in March 1945, flying paratroopers and supplies in Africa, Italy and Northern Europe. Major Smith was killed in action on 24 March on a return flight in support of the battle of the crossing of the Rhine River. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Major Smith, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.