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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Earle Roy Smedes, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 13th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Siegen, Germany, on 1 April 1945. On that date a company of his battalion cleared an enemy barracks and proceeded to another objective. Several members of the platoon, using this area for ammunition supply, were surrounded by a superior enemy force which infiltrated back. As nearly all units of the battalion had been committed the enemy created a threat and required immediate action. Lieutenant Smedes, platoon leader, organized a small force of the remainder of the platoon, plus a rifle squad, and led his men to the barracks area where there was direct machine gun and small arms fire. Lieutenant Smedes personally, and with disregard for his own safety, attacked and destroyed an enemy machine gun and its crew. Through constant small arms and mortar fire, Lieutenant Smedes led his men to another flank to make an attack. Lieutenant Smedes personally killed one of the enemy and dispersed others, but the resistance was so great that only a limited advance could be made. However, Lieutenant Smedes fearlessly leading his men, personally captured a sniper and gained information on the enemy’s number. Reinforced by an Engineer platoon, and from his knowledge of the terrain and enemy situation, and the information gained from his prisoner, Lieutenant Smedes evolved the plan of attack which was successfully used by rifle companies. When the garrison finally surrendered, approximately 200 enemy paratroopers were captured. First Lieutenant Smedes’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.