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) Wright 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 13th Field Artillery, 4th Division, Colonel Smith proved himself an artillerist of extraordinary skill and ability. Due to his energy and determination, he overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles, keeping his regiment at all times on the alert in order to take its positions promptly, and rendered most effective support to the advancing Infantry units.