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 Captain Richard G. Smyrden, British Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with Liverpool Regiment, in action near Kadish, Russia, 7 February 1919. While moving forward in command of a support company, Captain Smyrden encountered a disorganized Russian company in full retreat. Quickly reorganizing two platoons of this force, and with his own company, he launched a successful counterattack which reestablished the firing line in the original position. He then launched a new attack, which drove the enemy into their line of blockhouses. The coolness and courage of this officer was a great inspiration to his men.