Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Emerson
R.
Smith
September 23, 1898

–

October 28, 1954

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    4th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 26, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private First Class Emerson R. Smith (ASN: 2339975), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving as a Runner with Company M, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Private First Class Smith carried an important message from Le Charmel to Regimental Post of Command on the night of 26 July 1918, through heavy shell and machine gun fire. After his message was delivered it was noticed that he was badly gassed. He was then sent to the hospital. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    4th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 26, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 28, 1921

    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 First Class Emerson R. Smith (ASN: 2339975), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company M, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Le Channel, France, 26 July 1918. Engaged as runner, Private Smith carried an important message through heavy shell and machine-gun fire, completing his mission, although so badly gassed that immediate removal to a hospital was necessary.