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 Sergeant Maxwell Eugene Smith (ASN: 279478), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company D, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Gesnes, northwest of Verdun, France, 3 October 1918. In an attack on German strong points, Sergeant Smith was wounded early in the action by a shell fragment, but after dressing his wound himself he immediately rejoined his organization. Upon hearing that his company commander had been killed, he reported this fact to the regimental post of command, and although he was urged to go to the rear for medical aid, he again went forward and assumed command of the company, remaining in charge until the following morning. His courage and disregard for danger were an inspiration to his men and a thorough demonstration of his loyalty and devotion to duty.