The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private George W. Smith, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 12 September 1874, while serving with Company M, 6th U.S. Cavalry, in action at Washita River, Texas. While carrying dispatches Private Smith was attacked by 125 hostile Indians, whom he and his comrades fought throughout the day. Private Smith was mortally wounded during the engagement and died early the next day.