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 Technical Sergeant Lewis Edwin Smith (ASN: 17056339), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Emermermil, France, on 22 October 1944. When his platoon was pinned down by fire from an enemy tank, Sergeant Smith, acting platoon leader, crawled forward over approximately two hundred yards of enemy terrain to a position within twenty-five yards of the tank. Firing two smoke grenades that resulted in a concentration of hostile fire on the position he occupied, Sergeant Smith further exposed himself by rising to one knee and firing two anti-tank grenades which crippled the tank and caused confusion and disorganization among its crew. Returning to his platoon, he led it forward in the attack through harassing artillery fire and, after fierce fighting, occupied the platoon objective. Then, establishing defensive positions to meet inevitable enemy counterattacks, Sergeant Smith, exposing himself to intense hostile fire, fearlessly moved about his platoon sector checking on the disposition and welfare of his men and inspiring them to successfully repulse ten fierce enemy counterattacks. Technical Sergeant Smith’s 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 and the United States Army.