By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Ansley Smith, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Sergeant Smith distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 16th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during World War I. Sergeant Smith displayed successful leadership in forming a detachment and defeating an enemy patrol, taking one of the enemy a prisoner.