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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Willard L. Smith, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Remenauville, France, 12 September 1918. Lieutenant Smith was killed while gallantly assisting in maintaining liaison between the troops advancing on the open ground to the west of Bois du Four and those in the woods. It was due to Lieutenant Smith’s fearless example while leading his men, that the line was held intact at this point.