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 Colonel (Infantry) Hamilton Allen Smith, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Soissons, France, July 19 – 22, 1918. Colonel smith spent the greater part of his time in the front lines to encourage and direct his command, without sign of fear for his personal safety, and by his courageous leadership inspired his officers and men to effective combat. He was killed while directing an attack on a machine gun emplacement.