The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Field Artillery) Emery T. Smith, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Commander of the group of Artillery supporting the 33d Division in the attack on the east bank of the Meuse River, 8 – 13 October 1918, Colonel Smith demonstrated professional attainments and ability of a high order. Later, as a Regimental Commander, by his sound judgment and special knowledge of Artillery, he most successfully directed his units in the support of the attacking Infantry of the 79th Division in the operations north of Verdun from 4 – 11 November 1918. By keeping his elements close to the attacking Infantry he contributed in no small measure to the success of these operations. He rendered services of conspicuous merit and signal worth to the American Expeditionary Forces in a position of great responsibility.