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 Corporal Ford Dewey Smith (ASN: 568844), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company D, 4th Engineers, 4th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Ville Savoye, France, 11 August 1918. Leaving a sheltered position, Corporal Smith exposed himself to an intense artillery barrage to rescue a wounded officer. He carried him across the Vesle River to where he could obtain aid in taking him to a dressing station. He displayed utter disregard of personal danger while under heavy fire.